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Psalms 150:3
Bible Versions
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with a blast on the shofar! Praise him with lute and lyre!
Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre.
Praise him with trumpet sound: Praise him with psaltery and harp.
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Psalms 33:2
Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings. -
Psalms 149:3
Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. -
Psalms 81:2
Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery. -
Psalms 81:3
Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day. -
Psalms 98:5
Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. -
Psalms 98:6
With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. -
Psalms 92:3
Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
Psalms 150:3 is part of the grand finale of the entire book of Psalms, a powerful and exhilarating call to universal praise for God. This verse specifically lists two categories of musical instruments, emphasizing the diverse and enthusiastic ways in which the Lord should be honored.
Historical and Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, music played a central and integral role in worship, celebration, and even solemn occasions. The instruments mentioned in this verse were common in the Temple and tabernacle services, as well as in public gatherings. The trumpet (Hebrew: shofar, a ram's horn, or chatzotzrah, a metal trumpet) was often used for making loud, clear announcements, signaling assemblies, war, or solemn feasts, symbolizing a call to attention and a declaration of God's presence and power. For instance, trumpets were used to herald the new moon and festivals (Numbers 10:10). The psaltery (Hebrew: nebel) and harp (Hebrew: kinnor) were stringed instruments, typically used for melody, accompaniment, and often associated with joyous praise, prophecy, and personal devotion. King David, renowned as "the sweet psalmist of Israel," frequently used the harp in his worship and to soothe King Saul (1 Samuel 16:23). The inclusion of both loud, wind instruments and melodious, stringed instruments highlights the comprehensive nature of praise.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew terms for the instruments provide a deeper understanding:
- Trumpet: The term here is often a general one, but it encompasses both the shofar (a ram's horn, producing a primal, piercing sound, often associated with divine intervention and solemnity) and the chatzotzrah (a straight metal trumpet, used by priests for signaling and ceremony).
- Psaltery: The Hebrew nebel refers to a type of stringed instrument, possibly a lute or lyre, known for its rich and resonant tones.
- Harp: The Hebrew kinnor is generally identified as a lyre, a portable stringed instrument often associated with joyous celebration and prophetic music, as seen in the life of David.
These specific instruments underscore the richness and intentionality of musical worship in ancient Israel.Practical Application
For believers today, Psalms 150:3 serves as a timeless invitation to engage in heartfelt and diverse worship. It encourages us to use all our talents, resources, and expressions to glorify God. Whether through singing, playing instruments, or simply lifting our voices in praise, the core message remains: God is worthy of all our adoration, expressed with passion and variety. This verse reminds us that worship is not confined to one style or method but is a comprehensive response to God's greatness, much like the call in Psalms 150:6 for everything that has breath to praise the Lord. It inspires us to consider how we can contribute to a vibrant and multifaceted expression of praise in our own lives and communities, echoing the command to praise God with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs found in the New Testament (Ephesians 5:19).