Psalms 150:4

KJV

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} him with the timbrel {H8596} and dance {H4234}: praise {H1984} him with stringed instruments {H4482} and organs {H5748}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Praise him with tambourines and dancing! Praise him with flutes and strings!

Berean Standard Bible

Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute.

American Standard Version

Praise him with timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and pipe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 150:4 issues a vibrant and comprehensive call to worship, urging the use of diverse musical instruments and physical expressions to praise God. This verse, embedded within the climactic final psalm of the Psalter, emphasizes a holistic, enthusiastic, and instrument-rich adoration of the Divine, inviting all of creation to participate in a resounding symphony of praise that engages every faculty and available means.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 150 stands as the magnificent doxological conclusion to the entire book of Psalms, serving as a grand finale that encapsulates and culminates all previous calls to praise. It is the fifth and final psalm in the "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150), each of which begins and ends with the emphatic declaration "Praise the LORD!" (Hallelujah). The entire chapter is a passionate, six-fold command to praise God, specifying various instruments and actions, creating a crescendo of adoration that builds from praising God in His sanctuary and for His mighty deeds in [Psalms 150:1-2](/psalms/150-1-2 "Psalms 150:1-2 - Call to Praise in the Sanctuary and for Mighty Deeds") to an all-encompassing call for everything that has breath to praise the LORD in [Psalms 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalms 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!"). Verse 4, specifically, details a range of instruments—from percussion to strings and wind instruments—and the dynamic act of dance, broadening the scope of acceptable and encouraged worship expressions and contributing to the psalm's overall theme of universal and unreserved praise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite worship was rich with music, dance, and communal celebration, reflecting the vibrant cultural norms of the ancient Near East. Instruments like the timbrel (a tambourine-like drum) were common in joyful processions and festivities, often played by women, as seen with [Miriam leading the women in dance after the Red Sea crossing](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20 - Miriam's Song and Dance"). Dance, particularly circular or processional forms, was a vital expression of communal joy, thanksgiving, and worship, exemplified by [King David dancing with all his might before the LORD](/2_samuel/6-14 "2 Samuel 6:14 - David Dancing Before the Ark"). Stringed instruments, such as lyres and harps, were integral to temple worship and prophetic settings, providing melodic accompaniment. The "organ" (Hebrew `ûgâb`) in this context refers not to the modern pipe organ but to a reed pipe or flute, representing the wind instrument family. This verse reflects the vibrant, multi-sensory nature of ancient Near Eastern worship, where physical and auditory expressions were integral to religious devotion, emphasizing that praise was not merely an internal sentiment but a public, embodied act.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 150:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Holistic Praise**, advocating for worship that engages the entire being—body, soul, and spirit—through physical movement (dance) and diverse musical expressions. This aligns with the biblical understanding that all aspects of creation and human faculties can and should be employed to glorify God, as seen in calls to [sing to the LORD a new song](/psalms/96-1 "Psalms 96:1 - Sing to the Lord a New Song"). Secondly, it highlights **Diversity in Worship**, demonstrating God's delight in a wide array of worship forms. By listing various instruments—from percussion (timbrel) to strings and wind instruments (organs)—the psalm illustrates that different expressions of joy and reverence are welcome in His presence, reflecting the boundless creativity of God Himself. Lastly, the verse emphasizes **Joyful Adoration**. The instruments and the act of dance are intrinsically linked with celebration, festivity, and unbridled joy, reinforcing the idea that praise should be a heartfelt, enthusiastic, and exultant response to God's magnificent character and mighty deeds, resonating with the repeated exhortation to [make a joyful noise to the LORD](/psalms/98-4 "Psalms 98:4 - Make a Joyful Noise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root means "to be clear" (originally of sound, but often of color), "to shine," and thus "to make a show" or "to boast." Causatively, it means "to celebrate." In the context of worship, *hâlal* denotes a loud, exultant, and often public declaration of God's worth and greatness. It implies a joyful, even boisterous, commendation of God, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to an outward, demonstrative expression of adoration, sometimes even to the point of being "clamorously foolish" or "raving" in celebration.
* **Timbrel (Hebrew, _tôph'_):** This term refers to a tambourine or hand drum, derived from a contracted root. The *tôph* was a percussion instrument commonly used in ancient Israel for celebrations, processions, and joyful occasions, frequently associated with spontaneous, festive, and communal rejoicing. Its inclusion in this verse signifies a call for rhythmic, percussive praise that engages the body and evokes a celebratory, uninhibited atmosphere of worship.
* **Dance (Hebrew, _mâchôwl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to whirl" or "to writhe," *mâchôwl* specifically refers to a (round) dance. This term signifies a physical outpouring of joy and worship, a communal and often ecstatic expression of celebration. It underscores the idea that praise is not solely auditory or vocal but involves the whole person, including bodily movement, as a profound act of adoration and delight in God, reflecting a complete and unreserved devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Praise him with the timbrel and dance:"** This initial clause calls for praise that is both auditory and physical. The "timbrel" (a hand drum or tambourine) provides a percussive, rhythmic element, suggesting a lively and energetic form of worship. The inclusion of "dance" emphasizes that praise is not confined to vocal or instrumental sound but extends to bodily movement, signifying uninhibited joy, celebration, and devotion. This pairing evokes a scene of vibrant, communal festivity, where the entire being is engaged in adoration.
* **"praise him with stringed instruments and organs."** The second clause expands the instrumental palette, introducing melodic and harmonic dimensions to the praise. "Stringed instruments" (Hebrew *mên*, likely referring to lyres and harps, as chords parted into strings) offer a richer, more complex sound, often associated with more formal or contemplative worship, as well as prophetic utterances. "Organs" (Hebrew *ʻûgâb*, referring to ancient reed pipes or flutes, from the original sense of breathing) introduce wind instruments, adding a distinct timbre and completing a diverse ancient orchestra. This part of the verse ensures that praise encompasses a full spectrum of musical expression, from the simple and rhythmic to the complex and melodic, demonstrating God's delight in all forms of consecrated artistry.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 150:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive praise. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse lists specific instruments and actions (timbrel, dance, stringed instruments, organs). This detailed listing creates a vivid auditory and visual image of a full orchestra and a lively congregation, emphasizing the breadth and variety of acceptable worship. The use of **Repetition** ("Praise him... praise him...") acts as an **Anaphora** within the psalm, reinforcing the central command and creating a rhythmic, insistent call to worship that builds momentum. Furthermore, the combination of percussive, melodic, and wind instruments, alongside physical movement, creates a sense of **Synesthesia**, where the call to praise appeals to multiple senses, inviting a full-bodied, multi-sensory engagement with God. The verse's vibrant imagery also lends itself to **Metonymy**, where the instruments stand in for the act of worship itself, symbolizing the diverse means through which God can be glorified and the comprehensive nature of the praise offered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 150:4, nestled within the climactic final psalm, encapsulates a profound theological truth: God delights in comprehensive, unreserved, and joyful praise from all of creation. This verse underscores that worship is not limited to a single form or solemnity but embraces the full spectrum of human expression—physical, vocal, and instrumental—reflecting the boundless nature of God's glory and the multifaceted ways in which His people can respond to His majesty. It invites believers to bring their whole selves and all available means to the act of adoration, recognizing that every gift and talent can be consecrated for His glory, contributing to a symphony of praise that resonates with the very heart of God.

* [Psalms 149:3](/psalms/149-3 "Psalms 149:3 - Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.")
* [1 Chronicles 15:16](/1_chronicles/15-16 "1 Chronicles 15:16 - David appoints Levites to sing and play instruments")
* [Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 150:4 serves as a powerful reminder that our worship of God should be holistic, uninhibited, and joyful. It challenges us to move beyond rigid conceptions of praise and embrace the full spectrum of expressions that honor God. This verse encourages us to consider how we might bring our entire being—our bodies, our creativity, our energy, and our joy—into our acts of worship, whether individually or corporately. It calls us to utilize the diverse gifts and resources available to us, recognizing that God delights in both the simple and the complex, the spontaneous and the structured, the physical and the vocal. Our praise should be a vibrant, authentic, and enthusiastic response to God's immeasurable greatness, reflecting the boundless nature of His love and power, and inspiring others to join in this universal chorus of adoration, ensuring that our worship is a true reflection of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I currently limit my expression of praise to God, perhaps out of self-consciousness or tradition?**
* **How can I more fully engage my body, creativity, and joy in my personal and corporate worship, embracing a more holistic approach?**
* **What "instruments" or forms of expression (talents, gifts, resources, or even daily actions) has God given me that I can intentionally use to praise Him more effectively and comprehensively?**

### FAQ
**Does "organ" in Psalms 150:4 refer to the large pipe organs found in churches today?**

Answer: No, the "organ" (Hebrew `ûgâb`) mentioned in Psalms 150:4 does not refer to the large, complex pipe organs common in modern churches. In ancient Israelite context, `ûgâb` referred to a simpler wind instrument, likely a reed pipe or a flute. It was a common instrument in the ancient Near East and represented the wind instrument family within the broader ensemble of musical instruments used for worship and celebration. This distinction highlights the continuity of using diverse instruments for worship throughout history, even as the specific forms of those instruments evolve over time, always contributing to the joyful noise made to the [Lord](/psalms/98-4 "Psalms 98:4 - Make a joyful noise").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 150:4 is a direct call to praise God with instruments and dance in the Old Testament context, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. Jesus, as the perfect worshipper, embodies the complete and unreserved praise called for in this psalm. His entire life, from His incarnation to His crucifixion and resurrection, was an act of perfect obedience and glorification of the Father, a living symphony of praise that transcends any instrumental or physical expression. Furthermore, through His atoning work, Christ enables a new and living way for humanity to offer true praise. We, as believers, are now invited into a spiritual worship that is not merely external but flows from a transformed heart, empowered by the [Holy Spirit](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). Our praise, whether expressed through song, dance, instruments, or even the quiet devotion of our lives, becomes acceptable to God through Christ, who is our great High Priest, presenting our offerings to the Father ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering a sacrifice of praise through Jesus")). Thus, the vibrant call of Psalms 150:4 finds its ultimate resonance in the joyous, Spirit-filled worship of the redeemed, who praise Him not only with timbrel and dance but with lives consecrated to the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who reigns forevermore ([Revelation 5:9-14](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-14 - The Lamb is worthy to receive praise")).

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

Psalms 149:3

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

Isaiah 38:20

The LORD [was ready] to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.

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 92:3

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

Psalms 144:9

¶ I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.

Job 30:31

My harp also is [turned] to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.

Psalms 45:8

All thy garments [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.