praise Him with strings and flute.
Stringed instruments, such as the harp and lyre, were integral to Hebrew worship and are frequently mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 33:2, Psalm 92:3). These instruments were used to accompany singing and were considered suitable for worship due to their melodic and harmonious sounds. The flute, a wind instrument, adds a different dimension to the musical worship, providing a soft and soothing sound. The combination of strings and flute suggests a rich and varied musical expression in worship, indicating that all forms of music can be used to glorify God. This diversity in musical instruments reflects the inclusivity of worship, where different talents and expressions are brought together to honor God.

• Psalm 150:4 opens by spotlighting a simple hand-held percussion instrument that anyone, young or old, could play. The tambourine’s bright, rhythmic sound openly celebrates God’s victories, echoing scenes like Miriam leading Israel after the Red Sea, “Miriam … took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing” (Exodus 15:20).

• The verse invites worshipers to bring whatever is at hand. Whether at the tabernacle (2 Samuel 6:5) or in today’s sanctuary, the point is unrestrained, audible joy that declares, “Come, see what God has done!” (Psalm 66:5).

• Instruments do not distract from praise; they amplify it, helping the whole congregation keep time and stay united in song (Psalm 81:2).

• The body itself becomes an instrument. David “danced with all his might before the LORD” (2 Samuel 6:14), showing that reverence is never stiff or cold.

• Dancing is a God-given outlet for gratitude when words feel too small: “You turned my mourning into dancing” (Psalm 30:11).

• This physical expression reminds believers that worship involves heart, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). In seasons of grief there is “a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4), and here Psalm 150 calls for the latter.

• Stringed instruments—lyre, harp, ten-string combinations—add melodic depth. “Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make music to Him on the ten-stringed harp” (Psalm 33:2–3).

• The resonance of strings mirrors the layered richness of God’s character: steadfast love, righteousness, justice (Psalm 89:14).

• They also model skillful stewardship; players practiced diligently so their offering would honor the Lord (Psalm 33:3 “play skillfully”). Such effort underscores Romans 12:1: present your bodies (and talents) as living sacrifices.

• Wind instruments bring a gentle, expressive voice. Flutes accompanied prophetic worship (1 Samuel 10:5) and royal celebrations (1 Kings 1:40).

• The breath that fills a flute recalls the very breath God gives (Genesis 2:7). Every sustained note proclaims, “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD” (Psalm 150:6).

• Isaiah envisioned rejoicing “as at the sound of the flute” when God’s people ascend His mountain (Isaiah 30:29), hinting at the ultimate celebration in His presence.

Psalm 150:4 literally calls God’s people to wholehearted praise using percussion, movement, strings, and wind instruments. Each element—tambourine’s rhythm, the dance of liberated bodies, rich string harmonies, and breath-carried flute tones—demonstrates that all creation, and every faculty God has given, can and should be consecrated to honor Him.

Stringed instruments.--Minnim. Literally, parts, so threads, so here, as in LXX. and Vulg., "with" or "on strings." (See Note, Psalm 45:9.)

Organs.--Heb., 'ugab, which has been variously identified with the syrinx, or Pan's pipes, of the Greeks, with the "bagpipe," and even with a rude instrument embodying the principle of the modern organ. (See Bible Educator, 2:70, 183, 229.)