Psalms 150:4
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Original Language Analysis
הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ
Praise
H1984
הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ
Praise
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
1 of 6
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
הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ
Praise
H1984
הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ
Praise
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
4 of 6
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
Cross References
Isaiah 38:20The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.Psalms 149:3Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.Exodus 15:20And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.Psalms 92:3Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.Psalms 144:9I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.Job 30:31My harp also is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.
Historical Context
This verse's breadth of instruments reflects Israel's developed temple music program under David and Solomon. 1 Chronicles 15-16 and 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 describe elaborate musical worship involving hundreds of trained Levitical musicians. The inclusion of both 'masculine' instruments (strings, winds) and 'feminine' instruments (timbrel, dance) suggests the whole community's participation. Archaeological discoveries have uncovered ancient Near Eastern musical instruments matching these biblical descriptions, confirming their historical use in worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How might incorporating diverse musical styles and expressions in worship better reflect the breadth of God's character?
- What do your preferred worship styles reveal about your understanding of God, and what might you be missing?
- How does the biblical inclusion of both gentle and exuberant worship challenge either the 'hype' or 'quiet reverence only' extremes?
Analysis & Commentary
Praise him with the timbrel and dance (הַֽלְלוּהוּ בְתֹף וּמָחוֹל)—The pairing of toph (hand drum/tambourine) with machol (dance) emphasizes rhythmic, physical worship. Women often led timbrel-and-dance celebrations after military victories (Exodus 15:20, Judges 11:34, 1 Samuel 18:6), making this joyful, triumphant praise. Dance in worship is not entertainment but embodied theology—the body proclaiming what the mouth sings.
Praise him with stringed instruments and organs (הַֽלְלוּהוּ בְּמִנִּים וְעוּגָב)—Minnim likely refers to stringed instruments collectively, while ugab (pipes/flute) represents wind instruments. The verse thus contrasts percussion-with-movement and strings-with-winds, expanding the sonic palette. The flute's softer, pastoral tone balances the timbrel's percussive energy, suggesting worship encompasses both exuberant celebration and gentle reflection. All musical expressions—loud and soft, rhythmic and melodic, energetic and contemplative—are fitting for praising the infinite God.