Psalms 150:6

Psalm 150:6 concludes the entire book of Psalms with a powerful, all-encompassing call to worship. It serves as a grand finale, summarizing the central theme of the Psalms: the resounding praise of God.

Context

This verse is the climax of Psalm 150, which itself is the final psalm in the Psalter. The preceding verses (Psalm 150:3-5) list various instruments—trumpet, psaltery, harp, timbrel, stringed instruments, organs, and loud cymbals—all employed in the act of praise. Verse 6 then broadens this call from specific instruments and locations (like the sanctuary mentioned in Psalm 150:1) to every living being, making the command to praise universal and absolute.

Key Themes

• Universal Praise: The phrase "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD" is a profound declaration that all living creatures, especially humanity, are obligated to offer praise to their Creator. It signifies that the very act of living, of breathing, is a reason for and a call to worship.
• The Imperative of Praise: The repetition of "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah) acts as a strong command and an emphatic benediction, urging all existence to fulfill its primary purpose of glorifying God.
• Life as a Gift for Praise: The breath of life itself (neshamah in Hebrew) is presented as the fundamental qualification and impetus for praise. As long as one lives and breathes, praise should flow forth. This echoes concepts found in Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into man.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Praise ye the LORD" is the famous Hebrew phrase Hallelu Yah (or Hallelujah). Hallelu is an imperative verb meaning "Praise ye!" or "Praise!" and Yah is a shortened form of Yahweh, God's covenant name, often translated as "the LORD" in the KJV. Thus, Hallelujah is a direct command to "Praise Yahweh!" or "Praise the LORD!"

The term "breath" comes from the Hebrew word neshamah, which refers to the breath of life, the spirit, or the soul. It implies that every living being, particularly those endowed with understanding and life from God, should participate in this grand chorus of praise. It signifies that life itself is a continuous act of worship.

Practical Application

Psalm 150:6 reminds us that praise is not merely an optional activity but a fundamental purpose of our existence. If we have breath, we have a reason and a command to praise God. This means:

• Daily Recognition: Every breath we take is a gift, and each day offers countless opportunities to acknowledge God's goodness and majesty.
• Holistic Worship: Our praise should encompass all aspects of our lives, not just formal worship services. Our actions, words, and thoughts should reflect a heart of praise, knowing that whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, we should do all to the glory of God.
• Universal Call: This verse broadens our perspective, reminding us that praise is not limited to a select few but is the universal calling for all creation, culminating in the worship of God's people. Just as every creature in heaven and on earth will one day praise Him, we are called to join that chorus now.