TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 150:1–6. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We are here, with the greatest earnestness imaginable, excited to praise God; if, as some suppose, this psalm was primarily intended for the Levites, to stir them up to do their office in the house of the Lord, as singers and players on instruments, yet we must take it as speaking to us, who are made to our God spiritual priests. And the repeated inculcating of the call thus intimates that it is a great and necessary duty, a duty which we should be much employed and much enlarged in, but which we are naturally backward to and cold in, and therefore need to be brought to, and held to, by precept upon precept, and line upon line. Observe here,
I.Whence this tribute of praise arises, and out of what part of his dominion it especially issues. It comes,
1.From his sanctuary; praise him there. Let his priests, let his people, that attend there, attend him with their praises. Where should he be praised, but there where he does, in a special manner, both manifest his glory and communicate his grace? Praise God upon the account of his sanctuary, and the privileges which we enjoy by having that among us, Eze 37:26. Praise God in his holy ones (so some read it); we must take notice of the image of God as it appears on those that are sanctified, and love them for the sake of that image; and when we praise them we must praise God in them.
2.From the firmament of his power. Praise him because of his power and glory which appear in the firmament, its vastness, its brightness, and its splendid furniture; and because of the powerful influences it has upon this earth. Let those that have their dwelling in the firmament of his power, even the holy angels, lead in this good work. Some, by the sanctuary, as well as by the firmament of his power, understand the highest heavens, the residence of his glory; that is indeed his sanctuary, his holy temple, and there he is praised continually, in a far better manner than we can praise him. And it is a comfort to us, when we find we do it so poorly, that it is so well done there.
II.Upon what account this tribute of praise is due, upon many accounts, particularly,
1.The works of his power (Psa 150:2): Praise him for his mighty acts; for his mightinesses (so the word is), for all the instances of his might, the power of his providence, the power of his grace, what he has done in the creation, government, and redemption of the world, for the children of men in general, for his own church and children in particular.
2.The glory and majesty of his being: Praise him according to his excellent greatness, according to the multitude of his magnificence (so Dr. Hammond reads it); not that our praises can bear any proportion to God's greatness, for it is infinite, but, since he is greater than we can express or conceive, we must raise our conceptions and expressions to the highest degree we can attain to. Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God, as we often do in praising even great and good men. Deus non patitur hyperbolum - We cannot speak hyperbolically of God; all the danger is of saying too little and therefore, when we have done our utmost, we must own that though we have praised him in consideration of, yet not in proportion to, his excellent greatness.
III.In what manner this tribute must be paid, with all the kinds of musical instruments that were then used in the temple-service, Psa 150:3-5.
It is well that we are not concerned to enquire what sort of instruments these were; it is enough that they were well known then. Our concern is to know,
1.That hereby is intimated how full the psalmist's heart was of the praises of God and how desirous he was that this good work might go on.
2.That in serving God we should spare no cost nor pains.
3.That the best music in God's ears is devout and pious affections, non musica chordula, sed cor - not a melodious string, but a melodious heart. Praise God with a strong faith; praise him with holy love and delight; praise him with an entire confidence in Christ; praise him with a believing triumph over the powers of darkness; praise him with an earnest desire towards him and a full satisfaction in him; praise him by a universal respect to all his commands; praise him by a cheerful submission to all his disposals; praise him by rejoicing in his love and solacing yourselves in his great goodness; praise him by promoting the interests of the kingdom of his grace; praise him by a lively hope and expectation of the kingdom of his glory.
4.That, various instruments being used in praising God, it should yet be done with an exact and perfect harmony; they must not hinder, but help one another. The New Testament concert, instead of this, is with one mind and one mouth to glorify God, Rom 15:6.
IV.Who must pay this tribute (Psa 150:6):
Let every thing that has breath praise the Lord. He began with a call to those that had a place in his sanctuary and were employed in the temple-service; but he concludes with a call to all the children of men, in prospect of the time when the Gentiles should be taken into the church, and in every place, as acceptably as at Jerusalem, this incense should be offered, Mal 1:11. Some think that in every thing that has breath here we must include the inferior creatures (as Gen 7:22), all in whose nostrils was the breath of life. They praise God according to their capacity. The singing of birds is a sort of praising God. The brutes do in effect say to man, "We would praise God if we could; do you do it for us." John in vision heard a song of praise from every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, Rev 5:13. Others think that only the children of men are meant; for into them God has in a more peculiar manner breathed the breath of life, and they have become living souls, Gen 2:7. Now that the gospel is ordered to be preached to every creature, to every human creature, it is required that every human creature praise the Lord. What have we our breath, our spirit, for, but to spend it in praising God; and how can we spend it better? Prayers are called our breathings, Lam 3:56. Let every one that breathes towards God in prayer, finding the benefit of that, breathe forth his praises too. Having breath, let the praises of God perfume our breath; let us be in this work as in our element; let it be to us as the air we breathe in, which we could not live without. Having our breath in our nostrils, let us consider that it is still going forth, and will shortly go and not return. Since therefore we must shortly breathe our last, while we have breath let us praise the Lord, and then we shall breathe our last with comfort, and, when death runs us out of breath, we shall remove to a better state to breathe God's praises in a freer better air.
The first three of the five books of psalms (according to the Hebrew division) concluded with Amen and Amen, the fourth with Amen, Hallelujah, but the last, and in it the whole book, concludes with only Hallelujah, because the last six psalms are wholly taken up in praising God and there is not a word of complaint or petition in them. The nearer good Christians come to their end the fuller they should be of the praises of God. Some think that this last psalm is designed to represent to us the work of glorified saints in heaven, who are there continually praising God, and that the musical instruments here said to be used are no more to be understood literally than the gold, and pearls, and precious stones, which are said to adorn the New Jerusalem, Rev 21:18, Rev 21:19. But, as those intimate that the glories of heaven are the most excellent glories, so these intimate that the praises the saints offer there are the most excellent praises. Prayers will there be swallowed up in everlasting praises; there will be no intermission in praising God, and yet no weariness - hallelujahs for ever repeated, and yet still new songs. Let us often take a pleasure in thinking what glorified saints are doing in heaven, what those are doing whom we have been acquainted with on earth, but who have gone before us thither; and let it not only make us long to be among them, but quicken us to do this part of the will of God on earth as those do it that are in heaven. And let us spend as much of our time as may be in this good work because in it we hope to spend a joyful eternity. Hallelujah is the word there (Rev 19:1, Rev 19:3); let us echo to it now, as those that hope to join in it shortly. Hallelujah, praise you the Lord.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Praise Him in His deeds of strength;" or, as others have explained it, "in His deeds of power: praise Him according to the multitude of His greatness" [Psalm 150:2]. Why should not they also be called "the works of" God's "strength," which He has done in them: yea rather, they themselves are the works of His strength; just as it is said, "We are the righteousness of God in Him." For what more powerful than that He should reign for ever, with all His enemies put under His feet? Why should not they also be "the multitude of His greatness"? Not that whereby He is great, but whereby He has made them great, many as they are, that is, thousands of thousands. Just as righteousness too is understood in two ways, that whereby He is righteous, and that which He works in us, so as to make us His righteousness. These same saints are signified by all the musical instruments in succession, to praise God in. For what the Psalmist began with, saying, "Praise the Lord in His saints," that he carries out, signifying in various ways these same saints of His.
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Summary
Psalm 150:2 serves as a fervent double exhortation to worship, providing two profound, complementary reasons for offering praise to the Almighty. It calls believers to laud God both for His powerful interventions and demonstrations of strength throughout history, and for the boundless, inherent majesty and perfect character that define His very being. This verse, nestled within the climactic final psalm, encapsulates the comprehensive nature of worship, grounding it in both God's dynamic action and His eternal, unchanging essence.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 150 stands as the magnificent doxological conclusion to the entire book of Psalms, forming the grand finale of the fifth and final book (Psalms 107-150). It is the culmination of a series of five "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150), each beginning and ending with the Hebrew phrase "Hallelujah" ("Praise the Lord"). This final psalm is a universal and unrestrained call to worship, summoning all creation and every instrument to join in a symphony of praise. Verse 2 specifically elaborates on the reasons for this praise, building upon the general command to praise God in His sanctuary and firmament found in Psalm 150:1. It moves from the where and how of praise to the why, providing the theological bedrock for the entire psalm's exuberant command.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Psalms, including Psalm 150, were integral to Israelite worship, used in both temple liturgy and personal devotion. The call to praise God for "mighty acts" would have resonated deeply with the historical memory of Israel, recalling foundational events like the Exodus from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the conquest of Canaan. The emphasis on musical instruments in the broader psalm reflects the rich tradition of temple worship established by King David, where music played a central role in expressing devotion and celebrating God's presence. The concept of God's "excellent greatness" points to a theological understanding of Yahweh as utterly unique and supreme among all gods, a truth foundational to Israel's monotheistic faith in contrast to the polytheistic cultures surrounding them (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Key Themes
This verse powerfully articulates two core themes: God's Sovereign Action and His Transcendent Nature. "His mighty acts" (גְּבוּרוֹת, gᵉbûwrâh) highlight God's dynamic power at work in the world—His interventions, His deliverance, His judgment, and His ongoing sustenance of creation. This theme underscores God's active involvement in human history and His faithfulness to His covenant people. "His excellent greatness" (רֹב גֹּדְלוֹ, rôb gôdel) points to God's inherent, immeasurable attributes—His holiness, omnipotence, omniscience, wisdom, and infinite majesty. It emphasizes that God is worthy of praise not just for what He does, but for who He is. This dual emphasis ensures a comprehensive worship that acknowledges both God's saving deeds and His intrinsic, unparalleled worthiness, echoing the sentiment found in Psalm 145:3.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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; also to stultify." In the context of worship, it signifies a fervent, often boisterous, and public declaration of God's worth. It's not a quiet admiration but an enthusiastic, resounding acclamation, often involving shouting, singing, and dancing, reflecting the exuberant nature of the entire psalm.
Derived from a root signifying "force," this feminine passive participle denotes "force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory; force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength." When applied to God, it refers to His powerful deeds, His demonstrations of strength, and His interventions in history, particularly those that reveal His saving power and sovereignty. These are the tangible evidences of God's active presence and power in the world.
From a root meaning "to be great," this noun signifies "magnitude (literally or figuratively); greatness, stout(-ness)." It refers to the immeasurable, inherent vastness and majesty of God's being. It encompasses His infinite attributes—His holiness, wisdom, omnipotence, and transcendence—which are beyond human comprehension and worthy of ultimate adoration. This term emphasizes God's intrinsic worth and unparalleled glory.
Verse Breakdown
"Praise him for his mighty acts"
This clause directs worshipers to acknowledge and celebrate God's powerful deeds throughout history and in their personal lives. It calls for praise that is rooted in the concrete, observable evidence of God's intervention, His strength displayed in creation, redemption, and providence. This is a praise born of remembrance and gratitude for what God has done.
"praise him according to his excellent greatness."
This second clause expands the scope of praise beyond God's actions to His very nature and character. The phrase "excellent greatness" (literally "abundance of His greatness") signifies that God's inherent majesty, His infinite perfections, and His immeasurable being are themselves sufficient and boundless reasons for worship. Our praise, the verse implies, should strive to be commensurate with, though it can never fully encompass, the infinite scope of His glory. This is a praise born of awe and adoration for who He intrinsically is.
Literary Devices
Psalm 150:2 employs several powerful literary devices. Repetition is evident in the repeated command "Praise him," which serves to emphasize the central theme and create a sense of urgency and insistence. This repetition also contributes to the parallelism of the verse, where the two clauses offer complementary reasons for praise. Specifically, it is a form of synthetic parallelism, where the second line adds to or develops the thought of the first, moving from God's external actions ("mighty acts") to His internal, inherent nature ("excellent greatness"). The use of hyperbole is implicit in the phrase "according to his excellent greatness," suggesting that God's greatness is so immense that our praise can only ever aspire to match it, implying an unending and ever-increasing call to worship that can never fully exhaust His worthiness.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalm 150:2 provides a profound theological framework for worship, distinguishing between praising God for what He does and praising Him for who He is. This duality ensures that worship is neither merely a response to blessings (which can be fickle) nor solely an abstract appreciation of divine attributes (which can lack personal connection). Instead, it calls for a holistic worship that is both historically grounded in God's redemptive acts and eternally rooted in His immutable character. God's "mighty acts" reveal His active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His power, faithfulness, and love, while His "excellent greatness" points to His transcendent holiness, wisdom, and omnipotence, inviting a deep reverence for His intrinsic worth. This comprehensive understanding of praise acknowledges God as both the sovereign actor in history and the infinitely glorious Creator and Sustainer of all things.
Reflection and Application
Psalm 150:2 challenges us to expand the scope and depth of our worship, moving beyond a superficial or transactional form of praise. It calls us to cultivate a posture of constant adoration, recognizing God's hand in both the grand narratives of history and the intimate details of our daily lives. When we praise God for His "mighty acts," we recall His faithfulness in delivering us from sin, providing for our needs, and intervening on our behalf. This encourages a spirit of gratitude and remembrance, prompting us to recount His goodness. Simultaneously, praising Him "according to His excellent greatness" compels us to gaze upon His inherent majesty—His holiness, justice, love, and omnipotence—which transcends all circumstances. This aspect of praise fosters humility, awe, and a profound sense of His worthiness, regardless of our immediate circumstances. Integrating both aspects ensures our worship is robust, resilient, and deeply rooted in both God's character and His ongoing work in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the difference between praising God for His "mighty acts" and His "excellent greatness" in this verse?
The distinction lies in the focus of our praise. Praising God for His "mighty acts" (Hebrew: gᵉbûwrâh) means acknowledging and celebrating His powerful interventions and deeds in creation, history, and our personal lives. This includes acts of deliverance, provision, judgment, and salvation, such as the Exodus or the resurrection of Christ. It's praise for what God does. In contrast, praising Him "according to His excellent greatness" (Hebrew: rôb gôdel) focuses on His inherent character and infinite attributes—His holiness, wisdom, omnipotence, omnipresence, and perfect love. It's praise for who God is, recognizing His intrinsic worth and boundless majesty, which transcends all His actions. Both are essential for comprehensive and balanced worship.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalm 150:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "mighty acts" of God culminate in the person and work of Christ. His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection are the supreme demonstrations of God's power and redemptive activity, far surpassing even the Exodus in their salvific impact (Colossians 1:13-14). Through Christ, God performed the mightiest act of all: conquering sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe (Romans 5:8). Furthermore, the "excellent greatness" of God is perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. As the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, Christ reveals the full measure of God's inherent majesty, wisdom, and holiness. In Him, we see the infinite attributes of God made tangible and accessible. Therefore, our praise for God's "mighty acts" and "excellent greatness" is most fully and rightly directed to Christ, who is both the supreme revelation of God's power in action and the perfect manifestation of God's infinite being (John 1:14).