Psalms 150:1

Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ

H1984

Praise

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

יָ֨הּ׀

H3050

ye the LORD

jah, the sacred name

הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ

H1984

Praise

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

אֵ֥ל

H410

God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

בְּקָדְשׁ֑וֹ

H6944

in his sanctuary

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ

H1984

Praise

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

בִּרְקִ֥יעַ

H7549

him in the firmament

properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky

עֻזּֽוֹ׃

H5797

of his power

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?