TRV
Translation
Geneva Bible (1599)
Prayse ye him with sounding cymbales: prayse ye him with high sounding cymbales.
Young's Literal Translation
Praise Him with cymbals of sounding, Praise Him with cymbals of shouting.
See also
In the KJVVerse 16,400 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 150 verses 1–6
1 ¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 150:3-5
The melodious cymbal reflects the active mind affixed on its desire for Christ; the joyous cymbal the purified mind inspired by the salvation of Christ.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 150
"Praise Him on the well-sounding cymbals, praise Him on cymbals of jubilation" [Psalm 150:5]. Cymbals touch one another in order to sound, and therefore are by some compared to our lips. But I think it better to understand that God is in a manner praised on the cymbal, when each is honoured by his neighbour, not by himself, and then honouring one another, they give praise to God. But lest any should understand such cymbals as sound without life, therefore I think he added, "on cymbals of jubilation." For "jubilation" that is, unspeakable praise, proceeds not, save from life. Nor do I think that I should pass over what musicians say, that there are three kinds of sounds, by voice, by breath, by striking: by voice, uttered by throat and windpipe, when man sings without any instrument; by breath, as by pipe, or anything of that sort: by striking, as by harp, or anything of that kind. None then of these kinds is omitted here: for there is voice in the choir, breath in the trumpet, striking in the harp, representing mind, spirit, body, but by similitudes, not in the proper sense of the words. When then he proposed, "Praise God in His saints," to whom said he this, save to themselves? And in whom are they to praise God, save in themselves? For you, says he, are "His saints;" you are "His strength," but that which He wrought in you; you are "His mighty works, and the multitude of His greatness," which He has wrought and set forth in you. You are "trumpet, psaltery, harp, timbrel, choir, strings, and organ, cymbals of jubilation sounding well," because sounding in harmony. All these are you: let nought that is vile, nought that is transitory, nought that is ludicrous, be here thought of.
Arnobius the YoungerAD 460
SELECTIONS FROM THE PSALMS 150
Let us praise him on the psaltery and on the harp, supposing that on the harp we may embrace the wood of the cross and on the psaltery we may maintain the universal confession. The sound is harsh because the confession is not held in unity. Let us praise on timbrel and with dance, when we, firmly set upon a restored way of life, adorn the timbrel of our body with the models of best behavior. Let us praise him on stringed instruments and on the organ as we play the fresh strings that are on our harp, let us also, as with the narrow needs of modesty make melodious sounds to God, cleansing ourselves from all the blight of sin.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 150:5 issues a fervent, twofold command to praise the Lord using percussion instruments, specifically "loud cymbals" and "high sounding cymbals." This verse encapsulates the psalmist's call for an unreserved, enthusiastic, and audibly vibrant expression of worship, emphasizing that the magnitude of God's glory warrants the most emphatic and celebratory forms of adoration through music. It serves as a powerful reminder that praise is not merely an internal sentiment but an outward, communal, and often boisterous declaration of God's supreme worthiness, concluding the Psalter with a resounding call to universal worship.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 150:5 employs several literary devices to amplify its message of fervent praise. The most prominent is Repetition, with the imperative "Praise him" appearing twice, and the noun "cymbals" also repeated, underscoring the central command and the specific instrument specified. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and insistence, driving home the psalmist's passionate call to worship. Closely related is Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("praise him upon the high sounding cymbals") echoes and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Praise him upon the loud cymbals"). This technique doesn't just repeat the idea but builds upon it, suggesting a progression from merely "loud" to "high sounding" (triumphant, jubilant) praise, creating a powerful crescendo of sound. Furthermore, the verse utilizes vivid Auditory Imagery, inviting the listener to imagine the clashing, ringing, and resounding sounds of the cymbals. This sensory detail immerses the worshiper in the experience, making the call to praise tangible and immediate. The choice of "loud" and "high sounding" also hints at Hyperbole, an exaggeration for effect, emphasizing the unreserved and maximal nature of the desired praise, pushing the worshiper towards the most enthusiastic expression possible.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 150:5, with its insistent call for loud and high-sounding cymbal praise, transcends a mere instruction on musical instrumentation; it is a profound theological statement about the nature of worship. It proclaims that God is worthy of our most fervent, uninhibited, and demonstrative adoration. The emphasis on sound and intensity suggests that true worship engages the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and is not meant to be a quiet, internal affair but a vibrant, communal expression that resonates outwardly. This verse challenges believers to consider the sincerity and passion of their praise, reminding them that the majesty of God demands nothing less than our utmost enthusiasm and joy. It underscores that worship is a response to God's greatness, a declaration of His glory that should be heard and felt, reflecting the boundless joy and awe that His presence inspires.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 150:5 serves as a timeless invitation to wholehearted and expressive worship. While the specific instruments may have changed over millennia, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant: our praise to God should be fervent, joyful, and unreserved. This verse encourages us to move beyond mere ritual or obligation and to embrace a worship that is alive, passionate, and authentic. It reminds us that God is not a distant, unfeeling deity but a glorious Creator and Redeemer who delights in the uninhibited adoration of His people. Therefore, whether through song, prayer, dance, or the skilled use of instruments, our worship should reflect the boundless joy and awe that His presence inspires. It calls us to consider if our praise truly matches the magnitude of His worthiness, urging us to offer our very best, with all our might and all our heart, allowing our adoration to be a resounding declaration of His glory that reverberates through our lives and communities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are cymbals specifically mentioned in Psalms 150:5, and what was their role in ancient Israelite worship?
Answer: Cymbals are mentioned in Psalms 150:5 because they were prominent percussion instruments in ancient Israelite worship, particularly in the Temple and during public celebrations. Their role was to provide a strong rhythmic foundation, mark musical transitions, and add a powerful, resonant sound that contributed to the grand and majestic atmosphere of praise. The terms "loud cymbals" (tsiltselei shama') and "high sounding cymbals" (tsiltselei teru'ah) emphasize their capacity to produce a clear, strong, and triumphant sound, signaling intense joy and celebration. They were part of a diverse orchestra of instruments used to offer comprehensive and exuberant praise to God, as indicated throughout Psalms 150, ensuring that worship was a multisensory and all-encompassing experience.
Does this verse imply that Christian worship today must always be loud or include specific instruments like cymbals?
Answer: No, Psalms 150:5 does not mandate the exclusive use of cymbals or insist that all worship must be audibly loud. Rather, it conveys a timeless principle: that our praise to God should be wholehearted, fervent, and expressed with genuine enthusiasm. The "loud" and "high sounding" nature refers to the intensity and passion of the worship, not necessarily its decibel level in every context. The Bible encourages diverse expressions of worship, from quiet meditation to joyful shouting (Psalms 95:1). The essence is the sincerity and depth of devotion, allowing for cultural and contextual variations in musical styles and instruments, as long as they facilitate genuine adoration of God and are offered in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 150:5's vibrant call to praise with loud and high-sounding cymbals finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament commanded praise through instruments and rituals, it often pointed forward to a greater reality. Christ, as the perfect worshiper, offered the ultimate sacrifice, not of animals or musical performances, but of Himself, thereby opening the way for humanity to offer true, unhindered worship to God. Through His atoning work, believers are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer a "sacrifice of praise" that is spiritual and genuine, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:15. The "loud cymbals" of the Psalm can be seen as foreshadowing the triumphant praise that resounds in heaven for the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:9-10). Moreover, Christ Himself is the one through whom all creation, both seen and unseen, will ultimately offer perfect praise to God, for all things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). Our worship, whether expressed with instruments or simply with our voices, becomes truly "high sounding" when it is offered in spirit and truth, empowered by the redemption purchased by the Son of God, who is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise for eternity (Revelation 4:11), making our every act of adoration a testament to His supreme worth.