Psalms 150:1

KJV

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}. Praise {H1984} God {H410} in his sanctuary {H6944}: praise {H1984} him in the firmament {H7549} of his power {H5797}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Halleluyah! Praise God in his holy place! Praise him in the heavenly dome of his power!

Berean Standard Bible

Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens.

American Standard Version

Praise ye Jehovah. Praise God in his sanctuary: Praise him in the firmament of his power.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 150:1 opens the final psalm of the Psalter with an emphatic and universal summons to worship, setting the tone for a grand doxology that culminates the entire book. This verse issues a direct command to "Praise ye the LORD," immediately broadening the scope of this adoration to encompass both the sacred, earthly "sanctuary" and the vast, cosmic "firmament of his power," thereby calling all of creation to acknowledge God's majestic presence and immense might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 150 stands as the magnificent crescendo and doxological conclusion to the entire book of Psalms. It is the final psalm in a series of five (Psalms 146-150), each beginning and ending with the Hebrew imperative "Hallelujah" (Praise ye the LORD). This structure creates a powerful, unified movement of praise that culminates the diverse expressions of lament, petition, wisdom, and thanksgiving found throughout the Psalter. Psalm 150, in particular, serves as a summary and ultimate response to the themes of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and mighty acts recounted in the preceding psalms, drawing all of creation into a symphony of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "his sanctuary" in Psalms 150:1 primarily refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for ancient Israel. This was the physical dwelling place of God's presence among His people, where sacrifices were offered, and communal praise was regularly performed. The "firmament" (Hebrew: *raqia*) reflects the ancient Israelite cosmology, which viewed the sky as a vast, solid expanse stretched out by God, separating the waters above from the waters below. This concept, evident in [the creation account](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), highlights the visible heavens as a testament to God's creative power and majesty, inviting praise not just from within the confines of the Temple but from the entire created order.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 150:1 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it issues a **Universal Call to Praise**, an imperative command ("Praise ye the LORD") that extends beyond Israel to all of creation, emphasizing God's supreme worthiness of adoration. Secondly, it highlights the **Scope of Praise**, encompassing both the sacred, communal space of the "sanctuary" and the boundless, cosmic expanse of the "firmament of his power." This dual location underscores God's immanence (present among His people) and His transcendence (ruling over all creation), indicating that praise is due everywhere and from everything. This echoes the sentiment found in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"), where "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Implicitly, the verse also points to **God's Power and Holiness** as the fundamental reasons for this universal and boundless praise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, a primitive root meaning "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify." In the context of praise, *hâlal* signifies a vibrant, often boisterous, and public declaration of God's worth, glory, and deeds. It implies a joyful, enthusiastic boasting in God, far beyond mere quiet admiration.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yâhh'_):** From H3050, a contraction for YHVH (Yahweh), the sacred, personal name of God, meaning "Jah, the Lord, most vehement." The use of *Yah* here, rather than the full Yahweh, is a poetic and emphatic form, often used in expressions of praise like "Hallelujah" (Praise Yah). It emphasizes the unique, covenantal God of Israel, who is worthy of this fervent adoration.
* **firmament (Hebrew, _râqîyaʻ'_):** From H7549, properly "an expanse, i.e. the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky." This term refers to the vast, stretched-out expanse of the heavens, which in ancient cosmology was seen as a solid dome. It represents the visible cosmos, a tangible testament to God's immense creative power and majesty, serving as a physical arena for His glory to be displayed and praised.
* **power (Hebrew, _ʻôz'_):** From H5797, meaning "strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise); boldness, loud, might, power, strong." When linked with "firmament," *ʻôz* emphasizes the mighty, inherent strength and majesty of God that is visibly demonstrated throughout the created order, making the heavens a declaration of His omnipotence and a compelling reason for praise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Praise ye the LORD."**: This opening phrase, "Hallelû Yah" in Hebrew, serves as an immediate, imperative summons to all who hear. It is a direct command, not a suggestion, for the community to engage in fervent, enthusiastic adoration of Yahweh, the covenant God. The repetition of "Praise" throughout the verse underscores the urgency and centrality of this act.
* **"Praise God in his sanctuary:"**: This clause specifies a primary locus of praise: the sacred space where God's presence dwells among His people. "His sanctuary" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the designated place for corporate worship, sacrifices, and communal expressions of devotion. It highlights the importance of organized, communal worship within a holy setting, where believers gather to acknowledge God's holiness and immanence.
* **"praise him in the firmament of his power."**: This clause expands the scope of praise beyond the earthly sanctuary to the entire cosmos. The "firmament" (the expanse of the heavens) is presented as a grand arena where God's "power" is visibly displayed through His creative and sustaining acts. This signifies that God's glory is not confined to a single building but pervades all of creation, calling forth universal praise from every corner of the universe, acknowledging His transcendence and omnipotence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 150:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the verb "Praise" appearing three times in this single verse, creating an insistent, rhythmic, and emphatic call to worship. This repetition not only underscores the central theme but also builds a sense of urgency and universality. **Parallelism** is also evident in the structure "Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power." This spatial parallelism juxtaposes the sacred earthly space with the vast cosmic expanse, creating a sense of **Merism** or **Totality**, implying that God is to be praised everywhere and in every dimension of existence—from the most intimate, holy gathering to the farthest reaches of the universe. The verse is also characterized by its **Imperative Mood**, as "Praise ye" is a direct command, transforming the psalm from a mere observation into an urgent, active summons to worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 150:1 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's worthiness of praise is boundless, extending from the most sacred human-designated spaces to the farthest reaches of His creation. This verse underscores God's dual nature as both immanent (present in His sanctuary) and transcendent (ruling over the firmament), affirming that His glory fills both the earthly and heavenly realms. The call to praise is not merely an emotional outburst but a theological response to who God is—the powerful Creator and the holy Presence. It sets the stage for the entire Psalter's culmination, inviting all beings to participate in the ultimate purpose of creation: the glorification of God.

* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature in Heaven and on Earth Praises God")
* [1 Chronicles 16:29](/1_chronicles/16-29 "1 Chronicles 16:29 - Worship the Lord in the Splendor of His Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 150:1 serves as a timeless reminder that praise is not merely an activity reserved for specific times or places, but a pervasive posture of life. While corporate worship in a designated "sanctuary" remains vital for communal expression and spiritual formation, this verse powerfully expands our understanding of where and how we are to praise God. It challenges us to recognize God's majestic presence and immense power not only within the walls of a church but also in the vast "firmament" of His creation—in the beauty of nature, the complexities of the universe, and indeed, in the everyday circumstances of our lives. Our lives, therefore, are called to be a continuous act of worship, reflecting God's glory in our thoughts, words, and deeds, acknowledging that He is worthy of all adoration, everywhere and at all times. Just as the heavens declare His glory, so too should our existence be a living testimony to His greatness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "praise" as "hâlal" (a clamorous, boastful declaration) impact your personal and communal worship?**
* **In what tangible ways can you extend your praise beyond a formal worship setting to the "firmament of his power" in your daily life?**
* **What specific aspects of God's character, as revealed in creation or His presence, most inspire your heartfelt praise today?**

### FAQ

**What does "Praise ye the LORD" mean in Hebrew?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase is "Hallelû Yah" (הַלְלוּ יָהּ), from which we derive the familiar word "Hallelujah." "Hallelû" is an imperative plural verb meaning "Praise!" or "You all praise!" It's a direct command to the assembly to engage in fervent, often boisterous, adoration. "Yah" is a shortened, poetic form of Yahweh (YHVH), the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing the specific God of Israel who is being praised. So, it means "All of you, praise Yahweh!"

**Why are two distinct locations for praise mentioned: "sanctuary" and "firmament"?**

Answer: The mention of "his sanctuary" and "the firmament of his power" highlights the comprehensive and universal scope of God's worthiness of praise. The "sanctuary" (the Temple in Jerusalem) represents the earthly, sacred space where God's presence dwelt among His people and where communal worship was offered. It signifies God's immanence and His relationship with humanity. The "firmament" (the expanse of the heavens) represents the cosmic, boundless realm of creation, where God's immense power and majesty are visibly displayed. This duality functions as a merism, signifying that God is to be praised everywhere—from the most sacred human-made space to the farthest reaches of the universe, acknowledging both His presence among us and His transcendence over all creation. It's a call for all of creation, in every dimension, to worship Him.

**Is praise limited to singing or formal worship services according to this verse?**

Answer: While singing and formal worship are certainly vital expressions of praise within the "sanctuary," Psalms 150:1 suggests that praise is far broader. By including the "firmament of his power," the psalm implies that all of creation, and by extension, all of life, is meant to be an arena for praising God. The Hebrew word for "praise" (*hâlal*) denotes a vibrant, often public, and enthusiastic boasting in God's character and deeds. Therefore, praise extends beyond specific acts of worship to a continuous posture of acknowledging God's glory in every aspect of life, in the beauty of creation, and in our daily conduct. It's a call to live a life that continually testifies to God's greatness, as [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory") states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 150:1's universal call to praise finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The "sanctuary" where God's presence dwells is perfectly embodied in Christ, for in Him "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He is the true Temple, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), where the Word "dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory." Furthermore, the "firmament of his power" points to Christ as the very agent and sustainer of creation. [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ") affirms that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible...all things were created through him and for him." He is the one who "upholds the universe by the word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Thus, the power displayed in the cosmos is Christ's power. The call for all to praise God in His sanctuary and in the firmament is a prophetic anticipation of the day when "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Through His redemptive work, Christ enables a new creation to offer perfect praise, fulfilling the Psalmist's vision of universal adoration for the God whose glory is fully revealed in the Son. The Lamb, who was slain, is now worthy to receive "power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - The Lamb is Worthy")).

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.