In Psalms 150 What Does It Mean For Everything That Has Breath To Praise The Lord And How Does This Shape Our View Of Creation?
Psalms 150: The Call for All Creation to Praise
The final chapter of the Book of Psalms is a crescendo of praise, calling every living being to glorify the Lord. Psalm 150 is both a conclusion and a climax, summarizing the entire psalter’s theme of worship. The heart of this psalm is captured in its closing verse:
Let everything that hath breath praise Jehovah. Praise ye Jehovah. - Psalms 150:6 ASV
What Does It Mean for "Everything That Has Breath" to Praise the Lord?
The phrase “everything that hath breath” is inclusive, extending the call to worship beyond the people of Israel to all living creatures. This universal invitation signifies that all life owes its existence and sustenance to God and therefore should respond in praise. Throughout Scripture, breath is a symbol of life itself, a gift from God. The very act of breathing is a testimony to God’s creative power, as first seen in Genesis:
And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. - Genesis 2:7 ASV
Here, breath is synonymous with life. Therefore, the command to let everything that has breath praise the Lord is a call for all living things to recognize their Creator and give Him glory.
Biblical Examples of All Creation Praising God
The idea of all creation praising God is not unique to Psalm 150. The Psalms repeatedly personify creation as joining in worship:
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; Let the field exult, and all that is therein; Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy. - Psalms 96:11-12 ASV
Praise Jehovah from the earth, ye sea-monsters, and all deeps… Beasts, and all cattle; Creeping things, and flying birds… Let them praise the name of Jehovah: For his name alone is exalted. - Psalms 148:7, 10, 13 ASV
These passages poetically portray creation itself—nature, animals, and even the elements—as participants in a grand symphony of praise to God.
How Does This Shape Our View of Creation?
Recognizing that all creation is called to praise God shapes our worldview in several significant ways:
- Creation’s Purpose: The ultimate purpose of creation is to glorify God. Everything that exists was made by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16 ASV). This gives every aspect of creation intrinsic value and meaning.
- Human Responsibility: As those uniquely made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27 ASV), humans are called to lead creation in praise. We do this not only through worship but also by living in obedience and stewardship of what God has made (Genesis 2:15 ASV).
- Christ-Centered Praise: All creation’s praise finds its fulfillment in Christ. Through Him, reconciliation is brought to all things, and He is the object and focus of all worship (Colossians 1:20 ASV).
- Hope for Restoration: The New Testament teaches that creation, though presently groaning under the effects of sin, awaits redemption and will one day fully participate in the praise of God’s glory (Romans 8:19-21 ASV).
Personal Application
Psalm 150 invites us to see our daily lives as opportunities for praise—not just with music or words, but in all that we do. Every breath is a reason to worship. As we recognize God’s handiwork in creation, our response should be gratitude, humility, and joyful participation in the chorus of praise that resounds throughout the universe.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31 ASV
Conclusion
“Let everything that hath breath praise Jehovah” is both a command and a vision for the world as it should be—filled with the worship of its Creator. As believers, we are invited to join this never-ending song, recognizing that all life exists for the glory of God.