Read Psalm 150
Questions from the Scripture text: With what command does the Psalm begin and end (Psalm 150:1a, Psalm 150:6b)? Where are they to praise Him (Psalm 150:1b–c)? For what are they to praise Him (Psalm 150:2a)? According to what (verse 2b)? With what eight things are they to praise Him (Psalm 150:3-5)? Who are to praise Him (Psalm 150:6a)?
Why do we exist? Psalm 150 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we exist for the praise of YHWH.
“Praise YHWH” is not only he beginning (Psalm 150:1a) and end (Psalm 150:6b) of this Psalm, and the conclusion to the whole psalter. It is the purpose of all things (cf. Romans 11:36).
Where. The holiness of YHWH is the proper place of His worship. Yes, this was identified with a particular location in the tabernacle and then the temple, but Psalm 150:1c clarifies that this means that greatest display of God holiness—in glory. This is the proper, ultimate location of God’s worship—especially over-against the way that people like to choose for themselves (dreadful clause!) their locations of worship. Wherever he holy God has commanded to communicate His holiness, that is the place to worship. For us on earth, it is the Sabbath-assembly of the church, which alone joins heavenly Zion.
Why. The great occasion for the worship of God is His mighty acts (Psalm 150:2a). And none are mightier than the saving works of Jesus Christ! But these mighty acts serve a purpose: to display the excellent greatness of YHWH God Himself. While His acts may be the occasion of our worship, He Himself is its object. Our praise should be in accord with His excellent greatness. And the only way to have praise as great as God is to offer that praise through the Son, by the ministry of the Spirit.
How. Psalm 150:3-5 touches different priestly instruments. The identifications of the instruments are uncertain, but their identity is not the point. It is significant that they are priestly instruments, since this implies that the praise that accords with the greatness is that particular praise that God Himself has ordained. But the main point seems to be how very many were listed. We should praise Him with everything. Everything that He has provided, by which to praise Him, we ought to employ in that praise. For, He is worthy of it all!
Who. Psalm 150:6a reminds us of the purpose of breath. Our breath is from the Lord, and our breath is for the Lord. Whatever any creature has, the purpose of what it has is for the praise of God. Do you draw breath, dear reader? The purpose of that breath is the praise of YHWH!
How can you praise the Lord in the place of His holiness? How can your praise be in accord with His excellent greatness? What has He commanded for His praise, and how much of it should you offer to Him? What is the purpose of your breath?
Sample prayer: Lord, we praise You! In Christ, we ascend to You and enter, beyond the veil, into the reality of the Holy of Holies in glory. We come, not with the various musical instruments of the temple priesthood, but with the full priesthood of Jesus, our Great High Priest. Praising You is the reason that we breathe, so please give us the ministry of Your own Spirit, to worship You through Your Son, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP150 “O Praise the Lord! Give Praise to God!” or TPH150C “Sing Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!”