Psalms 149:3

KJV

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them praise {H1984} his name {H8034} in the dance {H4234}: let them sing praises {H2167} unto him with the timbrel {H8596} and harp {H3658}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let them praise his name with dancing, make melody to him with tambourine and lyre;

Berean Standard Bible

Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.

American Standard Version

Let them praise his name in the dance: Let them sing praises unto him with timbrel and harp.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 149:3 issues a vibrant and profound call to the people of God, the saints, to engage in exuberant and holistic worship. It envisions a communal celebration where praise for the Lord's character and mighty deeds is expressed not only through vocal song but also through dynamic physical movement and the rich tapestry of instrumental music. This verse encapsulates a foundational theological truth: worship is an active, joyful, and multi-faceted response to God's majesty, encompassing the entire being and the collective community in unreserved adoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 149 stands as the penultimate psalm in the final collection of "Hallelujah Psalms" ([Psalms 146-150](/psalms/146 "Psalms 146-150 - The Hallelujah Psalms")), which together form a grand crescendo of praise to the Lord. While the preceding psalms in this collection (e.g., [Psalms 148](/psalms/148 "Psalm 148 - Praise from All Creation")) invite universal praise from all creation, [Psalms 149](/psalms/149 "Psalm 149 - The Saints Praise God and Execute Judgment") specifically directs its call to "His saints" and "the children of Zion" ([Psalms 149:1-2](/psalms/149-1-2 "Psalm 149:1-2 - Sing a New Song, Rejoice in Your King")), emphasizing their unique covenantal relationship with God as their King. Verse 3, therefore, provides concrete and vivid examples of how this "new song" and praise are to be expressed, serving as a bridge between the initial call to worship and the psalm's unique, somewhat startling, focus on the saints executing God's judgment upon the nations in [Psalms 149:6-9](/psalms/149-6-9 "Psalm 149:6-9 - The Saints Execute God's Judgment"). This verse thus grounds the eschatological role of God's people in their joyful and unreserved worship of Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, worship was inherently a communal, vibrant, and highly expressive affair, deeply woven into the fabric of daily life, national festivals, and celebrations of divine deliverance. Dance (`machol`) was a natural and powerful expression of overwhelming joy, victory, and spiritual fervor, as vividly illustrated when [Miriam led the women in dance with timbrels after the Red Sea crossing](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20 - Miriam's Song and Dance of Deliverance"), or when [King David danced with all his might before the Lord](/2_samuel/6-14 "2 Samuel 6:14 - David Dancing Before the Lord") as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem. The "timbrel" (`toph`), a hand drum or tambourine, and the "harp" (`kinnor`), often a lyre, were ubiquitous instruments in both secular festivities and sacred contexts, providing essential rhythmic and melodic accompaniment to songs and communal celebrations. This verse, therefore, authentically reflects the embodied, dynamic, and collective nature of worship in ancient Israel, where the entire community engaged physically, vocally, and instrumentally in their praise, often within the sacred space of the temple or during major public festivals.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Expressive and Embodied Worship**, demonstrating that praise to God is not confined to internal thoughts or verbal articulation but joyfully involves the whole person—mind, voice, and body—through movement and music. Secondly, it highlights **Joy and Celebration** as indispensable components of worship, reinforcing the biblical mandate that serving the Lord should be done with gladness and shouts of joy, as exhorted in [Psalms 100:2](/psalms/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with Gladness"). The vivid imagery of dance and instruments inherently evokes a festive and celebratory atmosphere. Thirdly, the specific focus on praising God's "name" emphasizes that the ultimate object of worship is God Himself—His revealed character, His majestic attributes, and His mighty acts—rather than merely the methods or forms of worship. Finally, the plural imperative "Let them praise" reinforces the theme of **Communal Worship**, indicating that praise is fundamentally a collective act of the gathered assembly, fostering deep unity and shared adoration among God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, this primitive root means "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate." This is the root of the famous "Hallelujah" (Praise Yah/the Lord). It implies a public, often exuberant, and even boisterous declaration of God's worth and glory, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to an active, unreserved commendation. It suggests a shining forth of God's excellence through the worshiper's expression.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, this word signifies far more than a mere appellation. It represents the entire character, reputation, authority, and essence of the person. To praise God's "name" is to praise all that He is—His attributes (holiness, love, power, faithfulness), His mighty deeds (creation, redemption, judgment), and His very being. It is a comprehensive act of acknowledging His unique identity, supreme authority, and glorious renown.
* **Dance (Hebrew, _mâchôwl'_):** From H4234, this term specifically refers to a "(round) dance" or "circular dance." It denotes a communal, often spontaneous, movement of celebration and joy, distinct from a performance for an audience. In ancient Israel, such dancing was a natural and common expression of spiritual fervor, delight, and thanksgiving, typically performed in a group setting during festivals, triumphs, or moments of great rejoicing before the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them praise his name in the dance":** This initial clause issues an imperative call to God's people ("them," referring to the saints mentioned in [Psalms 149:1](/psalms/149-1 "Psalm 149:1 - Sing a New Song") and [Psalms 149:5](/psalms/149-5 "Psalm 149:5 - Let the Saints Be Joyful in Glory")) to praise God's character, authority, and very being. The phrase "in the dance" specifies a physical, communal, and joyful expression of this praise. It powerfully suggests that worship is not solely an intellectual or vocal exercise but can and should involve the whole body in a celebratory, uninhibited, and deeply expressive manner, reflecting the internal joy of the worshiper.
* **"let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp":** This second clause reiterates and expands upon the call to praise, now specifying musical accompaniment. "Sing praises" (from `zâmar`) implies vocal music, accompanied by the "timbrel" (`tôph`), a percussive hand drum or tambourine, and the "harp" (`kinnôwr`), a stringed instrument, likely a lyre. This demonstrates unequivocally that instrumental music is a legitimate, desired, and enriching component of worship, providing rhythm, melody, and a richer soundscape for the communal expression of adoration. The combination of vocal, instrumental, and physical expression paints a comprehensive picture of holistic, vibrant, and unreserved worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 149:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of joyful and embodied worship. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, indicated by the phrases "Let them praise" and "let them sing praises." These are not mere suggestions but direct commands or exhortations, urging the community of saints to actively engage in this specific and exuberant form of worship. This highlights the divine invitation and expectation for such praise. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synthetic or complementary parallelism, where the second clause ("let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp") expands upon and reinforces the idea presented in the first clause ("Let them praise his name in the dance"). While not strictly synonymous, both clauses describe different, yet complementary, facets of the same overarching act: exuberant communal praise. Furthermore, the verse employs vivid **Imagery** by evoking the senses of sight (people dancing), sound (singing, the beat of the timbrel, the melody of the harp), and kinetic movement, thereby creating a dynamic and festive mental picture of worship. This rich sensory imagery makes the call to worship tangible and inviting, emphasizing its holistic and engaging nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 149:3 profoundly shapes our understanding of worship, revealing it as a holistic, communal, and joyful act that engages the entire being. Theologically, it asserts that God is supremely worthy of such unreserved and expressive adoration, not merely in solemn reverence but also in exuberant celebration. It challenges any notion that worship must be confined to quiet contemplation or purely verbal articulation, affirming the legitimacy and beauty of physical movement and instrumental music in glorifying God. This verse reminds us that our praise is a passionate response to God's revealed identity ("His name") and His mighty acts, transforming the worshiper and reflecting the immense joy of being His redeemed people. It also anticipates a future where God's people will triumph, and their worship is a foretaste and declaration of that ultimate victory.

* [Psalm 150:4](/psalms/150-4 "Psalm 150:4 - Praise with Stringed Instruments and Pipe")
* [2 Samuel 6:14](/2_samuel/6-14 "2 Samuel 6:14 - David Dancing Before the Lord")
* [Psalm 100:2](/psalms/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with Gladness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 149:3 serves as a powerful reminder that worship is meant to be a dynamic, whole-person experience, not a passive observation. For believers today, this verse challenges us to examine the breadth and depth of our own expressions of praise. It encourages us to move beyond cultural or personal inhibitions and consider how we might more fully engage our bodies, emotions, and creativity in worship. This doesn't necessarily mandate dancing in every service, but it certainly opens the door to a more authentic, unreserved, and joyful response to God's goodness. It invites us to embrace diverse forms of artistic expression—music, movement, visual arts—as consecrated means of glorifying God, recognizing that our Creator delights in the creativity He has instilled within us. Ultimately, the call is to worship God with sincerity and enthusiasm, allowing our praise to reflect the immense joy and gratitude we have for His character and His saving work, fostering a deeper connection with Him and with our fellow worshipers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of dance, timbrel, and harp challenge or expand your current understanding of worship?**
* **In what ways can you personally engage your whole being—mind, body, and spirit—more fully in worship, both corporately and individually?**
* **What cultural or personal barriers might prevent you from expressing joyful and uninhibited praise, and how might you seek to overcome them?**
* **How does understanding "praising His name" as praising His character and deeds deepen your motivation for worship?**

### FAQ

**Is dancing in worship biblical and appropriate for Christians today?**

Answer: Yes, Psalms 149:3, along with other passages like [Exodus 15:20](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20 - Miriam's Song and Dance") and [2 Samuel 6:14](/2_samuel/6-14 "2 Samuel 6:14 - David Dancing Before the Lord"), clearly indicates that dance was a legitimate, spontaneous, and often exuberant form of worship and celebration in ancient Israel. It was an expression of deep joy, spiritual fervor, and triumph. While specific cultural expressions of dance may vary across time and place, the underlying principle that physical movement can be consecrated to God's praise remains. For Christians today, the appropriateness of dance in worship depends on cultural context, congregational understanding, and the intent of the heart, always aiming to glorify God and edify the body of Christ. The emphasis should be on genuine, Spirit-led expression rather than performance or mere entertainment.

**What is the significance of "praising His name" rather than just praising God?**

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" (Hebrew: `shêm`) represents the entire character, reputation, authority, and essence of an individual. To "praise His name" is a profound act of worship that goes beyond merely acknowledging God's existence; it is to praise all that God is—His attributes (holiness, love, power, faithfulness, justice), His mighty deeds (creation, redemption, covenant keeping, judgment), and His very being. It's a comprehensive act of adoration that acknowledges God's unique identity and supreme sovereignty. This focus ensures that our worship is grounded in truth and directed towards the specific, revealed God of Israel, who has made Himself known through His actions and His covenant, as seen in passages like [Psalms 8:1](/psalms/8-1 "Psalm 8:1 - O Lord, Our Lord, How Excellent Is Your Name").

**Does this verse mean that specific instruments like the timbrel and harp are required for worship?**

Answer: No, Psalms 149:3 does not mandate the exclusive use of only the timbrel and harp, nor does it exclude other instruments. Instead, it illustrates the broad principle that instrumental music is a valid, desired, and enriching component of worship. The timbrel (a percussion instrument) and harp (a stringed instrument) were common and representative instruments of the time, signifying the breadth of musical expression available for praise. The broader context of the Psalms, particularly [Psalms 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - A Grand Hallelujah"), lists a wide variety of instruments, indicating a rich diversity in musical worship. The verse encourages the use of available musical gifts and instruments to enhance and accompany vocal praise, reflecting a holistic, celebratory, and aesthetically rich approach to glorifying God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 149:3, with its vibrant call to exuberant praise through dance and instruments, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament saints praised God for His mighty acts of deliverance and judgment, the New Testament believer's worship is now fundamentally centered on the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus Himself embodies the "new song" that the saints sing, for He has accomplished a new and greater salvation through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection. Through Him, we are empowered to worship God "in spirit and truth," making our praise an authentic, heart-felt response to His matchless grace and transforming power ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The physical and musical expressions encouraged in Psalms 149:3 are now offered as a "sacrifice of praise through Him," the fruit of lips that confess His name ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")). Our worship, whether through song, instrument, or movement, becomes a joyous declaration of Christ's victory, a participation in the heavenly chorus, and a foretaste of the glorious day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 31:13

Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

Exodus 15:20

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Psalms 81:2

Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

2 Samuel 6:16

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

Psalms 150:3

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Psalms 150:5

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

2 Samuel 6:14

And David danced before the LORD with all [his] might; and David [was] girded with a linen ephod.