Praise Ye the LORD

Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. (Psalm 150:1)

The book of Psalms begins by God blessing man and ends with man blessing and praising God. When one begins to spend time in the psalms and begin to notice the majesty, and power of God and the comfort He provides, they will be compelled to praise the Lord. The idea of praising God is one that has led many into worshipping in ways that are unauthorized, as they attempt to add elements to worship that God has not authorized, and at times the idea of praising God causes some to fall short of honoring God whole-heartedly as they fear being irreverent and unaccepted. The Psalms are filled with words of praise and worship to God and display the type of attitude that the child of God should have towards Him as they praise Him.

What does the term “praise the Lord” actually mean? It may be best if we define our terns as we discuss Psalm 150. First of all, the word “praise” could be defined as “honor rendered because of excellence or worth; to express thanks to or love and respect for God.” The original Hebrew word translated praise indicates the action of pronouncing good things upon the recipient and is used at least seventy-six times in the psalms. The term “ye” is the personal pronoun and should be noted that this pronoun indicates personal responsibility upon each person to praise, honor, and worship God. The term “LORD” is referring to Jehovah. Every time that this name is used in the King James Version with all letter capitalized is done so as a way to indicate the sacred name for God used by the Hebrews (YHWH). In the final psalm the phrase “praise the Lord” is found thirteen times in six verses. As we examine these six verses, we have the where, what, how, and who (by whom) of praise.

In verse one we find the “where” of praise. We are to praise the Lord “in His sanctuary” and “in the firmament of His power.” God has designated the place where man is to come to Him in order to praise Him, and no other substitution is authorized. During the Old Covenant those that lived under that Law were required to worship in the tabernacle, or temple, as sacrifices were brought to the priests and offered to God. In the New Covenant God has provided all blessings in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3), and those that worship God acceptably must do so in Christ (Col. 3:17). Notice the phrase “in His firmament” which implies that wherever God’s power is manifest, His glory is to be shown; in other words, wherever you are praise the Lord. Verse two identifies the “what” of praise. This verse sets forth the reason and the measure of praise, as God is praised for His mighty acts and according to His excellent greatness. As we contemplate the great power, majesty, and love of God, our praise for Him should only increase. Verses three through five prescribe the “how” of praise. These verses are often used by many to authorize instrumental music in New Testament worship. It must be noted that the time of the prescribed praise in the book of psalms is during the Old Covenant, which covenant was fulfilled in Jesus and the Law was nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14) and established the New Covenant (Hebrews 7-10). Under the New Covenant there is no mention of instrumental music, only making melody in our hearts by means of singing (Eph. 5:19). As we notice the “how” of praise mentioned in Psalm 150 and apply these teachings to us, may we simply say, we are to praise God whole-heartedly, as the whole person should be a living sacrifice that praises the Lord. Verse six indicates the “who” or “by whom” of praise. The language that is used in this verse is emphatic as it states that everything that has breath should praise God. God placed His breath in man, causing him to be a living creature (Gen. 2:7), and has also given us the breathed-out Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17) in order that we may know Him. As God has provided His breath to all, may all that breathes praise Him for the blessings He provides.

As we contemplate the goodness of God, and the blessings He provides, may we live a life that is filled with praise to Him.