The Book of Psalms (30-Day Journey)ਨਮੂਨਾ

The Final Word

Psalm 146 begins the final section of the Psalms—five songs often called the “Hallelujah Psalms.” Over the course of the previous 145 psalms, we’ve journeyed through the full range of human experience: grief and guilt, sin and sorrow, doubt and despair. We've watched God’s people wrestle with defeat and rejoice in victory, stumble in rebellion and rise again in faith. But now, as we reach the end, the tone shifts entirely. The last five psalms shift heavenward and focus solely on praise. There are no more complaints or laments—only worship. Psalm 150 exemplifies this beautifully. It contains no argument, instruction, or theological explanation—just a soaring, passionate invitation for all creation to praise the Lord.

The word Hallelujah appears frequently in these final psalms. It is a compound of two Hebrew words: Hallel, meaning “praise,” and Jah, a shortened form of Yahweh, God’s covenant name. Together, they form the familiar yet powerful call: “Praise the Lord.” While this word is a Hebrew word, hallelujah is also universally recognized. A person could travel to the most remote regions of Asia or Africa and still hear this word, echoing the same message: Praise to the Lord. Each of the last five psalms begins and ends with this call to worship. There is no crisis in view, no enemy to defeat—only the majesty of God on full display.

Psalm 150 opens with a call to praise God in His sanctuary, the place set apart as holy and for His presence and glory. Under the New Covenant, this sanctuary is no longer a single building in Jerusalem. Christ now serves in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 8:1–2), dwells among His people collectively (2 Corinthians 6:16), and lives in every believer individually (1 Corinthians 3:16). Ultimately, He is our sanctuary (Revelation 21:22).

We also see in this psalm that we praise God not only for what He has done—His mighty acts, especially in Christ’s death and resurrection—but also for who He is: “according to His excellent greatness.” (Psalm 150:2 NKJV) Worship rooted in who God is brings the greatest measure of depth and wonder to our praise.

Psalm 150 goes on to describe a full orchestra of praise. Every type of instrument is included—brass, strings, wind, percussion. Nothing is left out. The trumpet, listed first, signified grand and solemn moments: the giving of the law, jubilee, coronations, battle cries, and even prophesied the return of Christ. Other instruments point to different groups of people: the shofar was blown by priests; the harp and lyre were played by Levites; timbrels were used primarily by women; others played strings, flutes, and cymbals. The message is clear: Everyone is invited. Every sound is welcome. This is not muted praise—it is thunderous, joyful, wholehearted worship.

The psalm—and the entire book—ends with one powerful command: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”(Psalm 150:6 NIV) This is a fitting conclusion. Every breath we take is a gift from God, and praise is the most appropriate response. The only requirement to worship is breath itself. Life received from God must be returned to Him in praise. As Revelation 5:13 (NKJV) tells us, this day is coming: “And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!’”