Lyrics are unavailable.
Praise Belongs to God
The song powerfully summons continual, embodied praise in every circumstance, grounded in God’s sovereignty, enduring reign, deliverance, and victory. Its battle imagery should be heard as poetic testimony rather than teaching that praise itself autonomously causes enemies or walls to fall.
Strengths
3The song’s summons for everything with breath to praise reflects the broad worship of humanity and creation.
Its call to praise amid danger, loss, and uncertainty presents steadfast worship in hardship.
Its energetic, vocal, and embodied praise is consistent with biblical expressions involving proclamation, dance, and instruments.
Concerns
1- material
The song presents praise as the instrument that drowns enemies, implying that praise itself causes their defeat. The cited biblical account places decisive victory in the LORD’s action rather than in praise as an autonomous power.
1
non assessableNot assessableNo Bible passage reviewed clearly supports this lyric’s full claim.
2
devotional responseStrongly supportedPsalm 150 directly commands everything with breath to praise the Lord. Psalm 148 and Revelation 5 broaden the worshiping assembly to creation and all created things.
Psalms 150:6WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 150 directly commands everything with breath to praise the Lord.
Passage · Psalms 150:4–6[Psalms 150:4] Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute! [Psalms 150:5] Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals! [Psalms 150:6] Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Psalms 148:11–13WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 148 calls people and the created order to praise the Lord.
Passage · Psalms 148:9–14[Psalms 148:9] mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, [Psalms 148:10] wild animals and all livestock, small creatures and flying birds, [Psalms 148:11] kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth, [Psalms 148:12] both young men and maidens, old men and children. [Psalms 148:13] Let them praise the LORD’s name, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens. [Psalms 148:14] He has lifted up the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints, even of the children of Israel, a people near to him. Praise the LORD!
Revelation 5:13–14WEB
Related themeMatches in contextRevelation depicts every created thing praising God and the Lamb.
Passage · Revelation 5:11–14[Revelation 5:11] I looked, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. The number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands, [Revelation 5:12] saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!” [Revelation 5:13] I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!” [Revelation 5:14] The four living creatures said, “Amen!” Then the elders fell down and worshiped.
3
devotional responseStrongly supportedHabakkuk praises amid deprivation and fear. Psalms 34 and Job likewise portray steadfast worship during danger, loss, and uncertainty.
Habakkuk 3:17–18WEB
Close paraphraseMatches in contextHabakkuk rejoices in God despite failing crops, empty stalls, and coming trouble.
Passage · Habakkuk 3:15–19[Habakkuk 3:15] You trampled the sea with your horses, churning mighty waters. [Habakkuk 3:16] I heard, and my body trembled. My lips quivered at the voice. Rottenness enters into my bones, and I tremble in my place because I must wait quietly for the day of trouble, for the coming up of the people who invade us. [Habakkuk 3:17] For even though the fig tree doesn’t flourish, nor fruit be in the vines, the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food, the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, [Habakkuk 3:18] yet I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! [Habakkuk 3:19] GOD, the Lord, is my strength. He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and enables me to go in high places. For the music director, on my stringed instruments.
Psalms 34:1–4WEB
Related themeMatches in contextDavid declares continual praise while describing fear and deliverance.
Passage · Psalms 34:1–6[Psalms 34:1] By David; when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth. [Psalms 34:2] My soul shall boast in the LORD. The humble shall hear of it and be glad. [Psalms 34:3] Oh magnify the LORD with me. Let’s exalt his name together. [Psalms 34:4] I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. [Psalms 34:5] They looked to him, and were radiant. Their faces shall never be covered with shame. [Psalms 34:6] This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Job 1:20–22WEB
Related themeMatches in contextJob worships God after catastrophic loss without charging God with wrongdoing.
Passage · Job 1:18–22[Job 1:18] While he was still speaking, there came also another, and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, [Job 1:19] and behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young men, and they are dead. I alone have escaped to tell you.” [Job 1:20] Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped. [Job 1:21] He said, “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked will I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the LORD’s name.” [Job 1:22] In all this, Job didn’t sin, nor charge God with wrongdoing.
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doctrinal assertionContextually misleadingThe lyric presents praise as the instrument that drowns enemies. In 2 Chronicles 20, praise precedes deliverance, while the LORD decisively sets ambushers against Judah’s enemies; the passage does not assign victory-causing power to praise.
2 Chronicles 20:21–22WEB
Related themeConflicts in contextPraise precedes victory, while the LORD sets ambushers against the enemies; the passage does not make praise the defeating instrument.
Passage · 2 Chronicles 20:19–24[2 Chronicles 20:19] The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with an exceedingly loud voice. [2 Chronicles 20:20] They rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. As they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, so you will be established! Believe his prophets, so you will prosper.” [2 Chronicles 20:21] When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and give praise in holy array as they go out before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his loving kindness endures forever.” [2 Chronicles 20:22] When they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck. [2 Chronicles 20:23] For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. When they had finished the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy each other. [2 Chronicles 20:24] When Judah came to the place overlooking the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none who escaped.
5
non assessableNot assessableNo Bible passage reviewed clearly supports this lyric’s full claim.
6
doctrinal assertionSupportedPsalm 115 grounds worship in God’s heavenly rule. Romans 8:28 affirms his purposeful governance, and Psalm 46 presents him as sovereign over earthly conflict.
Psalms 115:3WEB
Close paraphraseMatches in contextPsalm 115 says God is in heaven and does whatever he pleases.
Passage · Psalms 115:1–5[Psalms 115:1] Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for your loving kindness, and for your truth’s sake. [Psalms 115:2] Why should the nations say, “Where is their God, now?” [Psalms 115:3] But our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases. [Psalms 115:4] Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. [Psalms 115:5] They have mouths, but they don’t speak. They have eyes, but they don’t see.
Romans 8:28WEB
Related themeMatches in contextRomans 8:28 describes God working all things for good according to his purpose.
Passage · Romans 8:26–30[Romans 8:26] In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. [Romans 8:27] He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God. [Romans 8:28] We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:29] For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [Romans 8:30] Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.
Psalms 46:10–11WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 46 calls people to recognize God’s exaltation and refuge amid upheaval.
Passage · Psalms 46:8–11[Psalms 46:8] Come, see the LORD’s works, what desolations he has made on the earth. [Psalms 46:9] He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear. He burns the chariots in the fire. [Psalms 46:10] “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted on the earth.” [Psalms 46:11] The LORD of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
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poetic metaphorContextually misleadingThe lyric makes praise the force bringing Jericho down. Joshua records a divinely commanded shout and trumpet blast, while God’s action, not praise as an autonomous weapon, brings down the wall.
Joshua 6:20WEB
Close paraphraseConflicts in contextJoshua records the shout and trumpet before the wall falls within God’s commanded battle plan; praise is not identified as the autonomous cause.
Passage · Joshua 6:18–22[Joshua 6:18] But as for you, only keep yourselves from what is devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted it, you take of the devoted thing; so you would make the camp of Israel accursed and trouble it. [Joshua 6:19] But all the silver, gold, and vessels of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD. They shall come into the LORD’s treasury.” [Joshua 6:20] So the people shouted and the priests blew the trumpets. When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight in front of him, and they took the city. [Joshua 6:21] They utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, both young and old, and ox, sheep, and donkey, with the edge of the sword. [Joshua 6:22] Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the prostitute’s house, and bring the woman and all that she has out from there, as you swore to her.”
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devotional responseStrongly supportedPsalms 103 and 146 directly address the soul with commands and commitments to praise. Psalm 104 likewise summons the soul to bless the Lord.
Psalms 103:1–5WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 103 directly commands the soul to praise the Lord.
Passage · Psalms 103:1–7[Psalms 103:1] By David. Praise the LORD, my soul! All that is within me, praise his holy name! [Psalms 103:2] Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits, [Psalms 103:3] who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, [Psalms 103:4] who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, [Psalms 103:5] who satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. [Psalms 103:6] The LORD executes righteous acts, and justice for all who are oppressed. [Psalms 103:7] He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the children of Israel.
Psalms 146:1–2WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 146 repeats the summons for the soul to praise.
Passage · Psalms 146:1–4[Psalms 146:1] Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, my soul. [Psalms 146:2] While I live, I will praise the LORD. I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist. [Psalms 146:3] Don’t put your trust in princes, in a son of man in whom there is no help. [Psalms 146:4] His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish.
Psalms 104:1WEB
Close paraphraseMatches in contextPsalm 104 begins by addressing the soul and blessing the Lord.
Passage · Psalms 104:1–3[Psalms 104:1] Bless the LORD, my soul. The LORD, my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty. [Psalms 104:2] He covers himself with light as with a garment. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain. [Psalms 104:3] He lays the beams of his rooms in the waters. He makes the clouds his chariot. He walks on the wings of the wind.
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devotional responseSupportedJesus accepts loud praise, the apostles persist in proclaiming what they witnessed, and Psalm 30 connects God’s deliverance with continual spoken praise.
Luke 19:37–40WEB
Related themeMatches in contextJesus says the stones would cry out if the disciples became silent while praising him.
Passage · Luke 19:35–42[Luke 19:35] Then they brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt and sat Jesus on them. [Luke 19:36] As he went, they spread their cloaks on the road. [Luke 19:37] As he was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, [Luke 19:38] saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!” [Luke 19:39] Some of the Pharisees from the multitude said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” [Luke 19:40] He answered them, “I tell you that if these were silent, the stones would cry out.” [Luke 19:41] When he came near, he saw the city and wept over it, [Luke 19:42] saying, “If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes.
Acts 4:19–20WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPeter and John refuse silence concerning what they saw and heard about Jesus.
Passage · Acts 4:17–22[Acts 4:17] But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.” [Acts 4:18] They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [Acts 4:19] But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, [Acts 4:20] for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.” [Acts 4:21] When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. [Acts 4:22] For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
Psalms 30:11–12WEB
Close paraphraseMatches in contextPsalm 30 says deliverance leads the heart to sing praise and not remain silent.
Passage · Psalms 30:9–12[Psalms 30:9] “What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you? Shall it declare your truth? [Psalms 30:10] Hear, LORD, and have mercy on me. LORD, be my helper.” [Psalms 30:11] You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness, [Psalms 30:12] to the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent. LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
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devotional responseStrongly supportedPsalm 149 commands praise through dance. David dances before the ark, and Psalm 30 portrays God turning mourning into dancing and thanksgiving.
Psalms 149:3–4WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 149 explicitly commands praise through dance.
Passage · Psalms 149:1–6[Psalms 149:1] Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. [Psalms 149:2] Let Israel rejoice in him who made them. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. [Psalms 149:3] Let them praise his name in the dance! Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp! [Psalms 149:4] For the LORD takes pleasure in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation. [Psalms 149:5] Let the saints rejoice in honor. Let them sing for joy on their beds. [Psalms 149:6] May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hand,
2 Samuel 6:14–16WEB
Related themeMatches in contextDavid dances with joy before the LORD during the ark’s arrival.
Passage · 2 Samuel 6:12–18[2 Samuel 6:12] King David was told, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that belongs to him, because of God’s ark.” So David went and brought up God’s ark from the house of Obed-Edom into David’s city with joy. [2 Samuel 6:13] When those who bore the LORD’s ark had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. [2 Samuel 6:14] David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was clothed in a linen ephod. [2 Samuel 6:15] So David and all the house of Israel brought up the LORD’s ark with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet. [2 Samuel 6:16] As the LORD’s ark came into David’s city, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out through the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. [2 Samuel 6:17] They brought in the LORD’s ark, and set it in its place in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. [2 Samuel 6:18] When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Armies.
Psalms 30:11–12WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 30 connects restored gladness and dancing with grateful praise.
Passage · Psalms 30:9–12[Psalms 30:9] “What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you? Shall it declare your truth? [Psalms 30:10] Hear, LORD, and have mercy on me. LORD, be my helper.” [Psalms 30:11] You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness, [Psalms 30:12] to the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent. LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
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doctrinal assertionStrongly supportedThe reviewed passages affirm God’s everlasting reign, Christ’s victory over death, and the divine titles Faithful and True. Together they support the lyric’s grounds for praise.
1 Corinthians 15:54–57WEB
Close paraphraseMatches in contextPaul attributes victory over death to God through Jesus Christ.
Passage · 1 Corinthians 15:52–58[1 Corinthians 15:52] in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. [1 Corinthians 15:53] For this perishable body must become imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. [1 Corinthians 15:54] But when this perishable body will have become imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” [1 Corinthians 15:55] “Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?” [1 Corinthians 15:56] The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. [1 Corinthians 15:57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Corinthians 15:58] Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Psalms 93:1–2WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 93 declares that the LORD reigns and his throne is everlasting.
Passage · Psalms 93:1–4[Psalms 93:1] The LORD reigns! He is clothed with majesty! The LORD is armed with strength. The world also is established. It can’t be moved. [Psalms 93:2] Your throne is established from long ago. You are from everlasting. [Psalms 93:3] The floods have lifted up, LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice. The floods lift up their waves. [Psalms 93:4] Above the voices of many waters, the mighty breakers of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty.
Revelation 19:11–16WEB
Close paraphraseMatches in contextRevelation calls Christ Faithful and True and presents him as King of Kings.
Passage · Revelation 19:9–18[Revelation 19:9] He said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.’” He said to me, “These are true words of God.” [Revelation 19:10] I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, “Look! Don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.” [Revelation 19:11] I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. [Revelation 19:12] His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself. [Revelation 19:13] He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called “The Word of God.” [Revelation 19:14] The armies which are in heaven, clothed in white, pure, fine linen, followed him on white horses. [Revelation 19:15] Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. [Revelation 19:16] He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” [Revelation 19:17] I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the sky, “Come! Be gathered together to the great supper of God, [Revelation 19:18] that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, small and great.”
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devotional responseStrongly supportedEach reviewed psalm directly summons the soul or everything with breath to praise the Lord, grounding praise in God’s benefits and mighty acts.
Psalms 103:1–5WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 103 directly commands the soul to praise while recalling God’s benefits.
Passage · Psalms 103:1–7[Psalms 103:1] By David. Praise the LORD, my soul! All that is within me, praise his holy name! [Psalms 103:2] Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits, [Psalms 103:3] who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, [Psalms 103:4] who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, [Psalms 103:5] who satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. [Psalms 103:6] The LORD executes righteous acts, and justice for all who are oppressed. [Psalms 103:7] He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the children of Israel.
Psalms 146:1–2WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 146 commands the soul to praise throughout life.
Passage · Psalms 146:1–4[Psalms 146:1] Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, my soul. [Psalms 146:2] While I live, I will praise the LORD. I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist. [Psalms 146:3] Don’t put your trust in princes, in a son of man in whom there is no help. [Psalms 146:4] His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish.
Psalms 150:1–6WEB
Close paraphraseMatches in contextPsalm 150 commands everything with breath to praise the Lord.
Passage · Psalms 150:1–6[Psalms 150:1] Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary! Praise him in his heavens for his acts of power! [Psalms 150:2] Praise him for his mighty acts! Praise him according to his excellent greatness! [Psalms 150:3] Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet! Praise him with harp and lyre! [Psalms 150:4] Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute! [Psalms 150:5] Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals! [Psalms 150:6] Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
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devotional responseStrongly supportedPsalms 103, 104, and 146 directly address the soul with commands or commitments to bless and praise the Lord.
Psalms 103:1–5WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 103 directly addresses the soul with a command to praise.
Passage · Psalms 103:1–7[Psalms 103:1] By David. Praise the LORD, my soul! All that is within me, praise his holy name! [Psalms 103:2] Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits, [Psalms 103:3] who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, [Psalms 103:4] who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, [Psalms 103:5] who satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. [Psalms 103:6] The LORD executes righteous acts, and justice for all who are oppressed. [Psalms 103:7] He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the children of Israel.
Psalms 104:1WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 104 begins by calling the soul to bless the Lord.
Passage · Psalms 104:1–3[Psalms 104:1] Bless the LORD, my soul. The LORD, my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty. [Psalms 104:2] He covers himself with light as with a garment. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain. [Psalms 104:3] He lays the beams of his rooms in the waters. He makes the clouds his chariot. He walks on the wings of the wind.
Psalms 146:1–2WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 146 addresses the soul and commits to lifelong praise.
Passage · Psalms 146:1–4[Psalms 146:1] Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, my soul. [Psalms 146:2] While I live, I will praise the LORD. I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist. [Psalms 146:3] Don’t put your trust in princes, in a son of man in whom there is no help. [Psalms 146:4] His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish.
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devotional responseSupportedThe reviewed passages portray vocal praise and proclamation as fitting responses to God’s works, Christ’s identity, and divine deliverance.
Luke 19:37–40WEB
Related themeMatches in contextJesus accepts loud praise and says silence would be answered by the stones.
Passage · Luke 19:35–42[Luke 19:35] Then they brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt and sat Jesus on them. [Luke 19:36] As he went, they spread their cloaks on the road. [Luke 19:37] As he was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, [Luke 19:38] saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!” [Luke 19:39] Some of the Pharisees from the multitude said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” [Luke 19:40] He answered them, “I tell you that if these were silent, the stones would cry out.” [Luke 19:41] When he came near, he saw the city and wept over it, [Luke 19:42] saying, “If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes.
Acts 4:19–20WEB
Related themeMatches in contextThe apostles insist they cannot stop telling what they saw and heard about Jesus.
Passage · Acts 4:17–22[Acts 4:17] But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.” [Acts 4:18] They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [Acts 4:19] But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, [Acts 4:20] for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.” [Acts 4:21] When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. [Acts 4:22] For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
Psalms 30:11–12WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 30 describes God’s deliverance producing praise rather than silence.
Passage · Psalms 30:9–12[Psalms 30:9] “What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you? Shall it declare your truth? [Psalms 30:10] Hear, LORD, and have mercy on me. LORD, be my helper.” [Psalms 30:11] You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness, [Psalms 30:12] to the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent. LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
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devotional responseStrongly supportedPsalm 150 commands expansive praise, Psalm 34 describes continual praise, and Hebrews 13 calls for a continual sacrifice of praise through Christ.
Psalms 150:1–6WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 150 calls for continual, exuberant praise using voices and instruments.
Passage · Psalms 150:1–6[Psalms 150:1] Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary! Praise him in his heavens for his acts of power! [Psalms 150:2] Praise him for his mighty acts! Praise him according to his excellent greatness! [Psalms 150:3] Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet! Praise him with harp and lyre! [Psalms 150:4] Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute! [Psalms 150:5] Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals! [Psalms 150:6] Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Psalms 34:1–3WEB
Close paraphraseMatches in contextPsalm 34 says the LORD’s praise will always be in the mouth.
Passage · Psalms 34:1–5[Psalms 34:1] By David; when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth. [Psalms 34:2] My soul shall boast in the LORD. The humble shall hear of it and be glad. [Psalms 34:3] Oh magnify the LORD with me. Let’s exalt his name together. [Psalms 34:4] I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. [Psalms 34:5] They looked to him, and were radiant. Their faces shall never be covered with shame.
Hebrews 13:15WEB
Close paraphraseMatches in contextHebrews 13 commands believers to offer praise to God continually through Christ.
Passage · Hebrews 13:13–17[Hebrews 13:13] Let’s therefore go out to him outside of the camp, bearing his reproach. [Hebrews 13:14] For we don’t have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come. [Hebrews 13:15] Through him, then, let’s offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name. [Hebrews 13:16] But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. [Hebrews 13:17] Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
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devotional responseSupportedThe reviewed passages present vocal praise as fitting when God’s works, Christ’s identity, or divine deliverance are recognized.
Luke 19:37–40WEB
Related themeMatches in contextJesus accepts loud praise and says the stones would cry out if people were silent.
Passage · Luke 19:35–42[Luke 19:35] Then they brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt and sat Jesus on them. [Luke 19:36] As he went, they spread their cloaks on the road. [Luke 19:37] As he was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, [Luke 19:38] saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!” [Luke 19:39] Some of the Pharisees from the multitude said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” [Luke 19:40] He answered them, “I tell you that if these were silent, the stones would cry out.” [Luke 19:41] When he came near, he saw the city and wept over it, [Luke 19:42] saying, “If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes.
Acts 4:19–20WEB
Related themeMatches in contextThe apostles continue proclaiming what they witnessed about Jesus despite official threats.
Passage · Acts 4:17–22[Acts 4:17] But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.” [Acts 4:18] They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [Acts 4:19] But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, [Acts 4:20] for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.” [Acts 4:21] When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. [Acts 4:22] For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
Psalms 30:11–12WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 30 connects God’s restoration with singing praise and refusing silence.
Passage · Psalms 30:9–12[Psalms 30:9] “What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you? Shall it declare your truth? [Psalms 30:10] Hear, LORD, and have mercy on me. LORD, be my helper.” [Psalms 30:11] You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness, [Psalms 30:12] to the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent. LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
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devotional responseStrongly supportedPsalms 149 and 150 command praise with dance and instruments. David’s energetic dancing before the LORD provides a narrative example.
Psalms 150:4–6WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 150 commands embodied praise with instruments and dancing.
Passage · Psalms 150:2–6[Psalms 150:2] Praise him for his mighty acts! Praise him according to his excellent greatness! [Psalms 150:3] Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet! Praise him with harp and lyre! [Psalms 150:4] Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute! [Psalms 150:5] Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals! [Psalms 150:6] Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Psalms 149:3–4WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 149 commands praise through dance and joyful singing.
Passage · Psalms 149:1–6[Psalms 149:1] Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. [Psalms 149:2] Let Israel rejoice in him who made them. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. [Psalms 149:3] Let them praise his name in the dance! Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp! [Psalms 149:4] For the LORD takes pleasure in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation. [Psalms 149:5] Let the saints rejoice in honor. Let them sing for joy on their beds. [Psalms 149:6] May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hand,
2 Samuel 6:14–16WEB
Close paraphraseMatches in contextDavid leaps and dances before the LORD during the ark’s procession.
Passage · 2 Samuel 6:12–18[2 Samuel 6:12] King David was told, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that belongs to him, because of God’s ark.” So David went and brought up God’s ark from the house of Obed-Edom into David’s city with joy. [2 Samuel 6:13] When those who bore the LORD’s ark had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. [2 Samuel 6:14] David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was clothed in a linen ephod. [2 Samuel 6:15] So David and all the house of Israel brought up the LORD’s ark with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet. [2 Samuel 6:16] As the LORD’s ark came into David’s city, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out through the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. [2 Samuel 6:17] They brought in the LORD’s ark, and set it in its place in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. [2 Samuel 6:18] When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Armies.
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devotional responseStrongly supportedPsalm 150 directly gives this summons. Psalms 148 and Revelation 5 likewise depict universal praise by humanity and all creation.
Psalms 150:6WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 150 directly commands everything with breath to praise the Lord.
Passage · Psalms 150:4–6[Psalms 150:4] Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute! [Psalms 150:5] Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals! [Psalms 150:6] Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Psalms 148:11–13WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 148 calls people and the created order to praise God.
Passage · Psalms 148:9–14[Psalms 148:9] mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, [Psalms 148:10] wild animals and all livestock, small creatures and flying birds, [Psalms 148:11] kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth, [Psalms 148:12] both young men and maidens, old men and children. [Psalms 148:13] Let them praise the LORD’s name, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens. [Psalms 148:14] He has lifted up the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints, even of the children of Israel, a people near to him. Praise the LORD!
Revelation 5:13–14WEB
Related themeMatches in contextRevelation 5 depicts every created thing praising God and the Lamb.
Passage · Revelation 5:11–14[Revelation 5:11] I looked, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. The number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands, [Revelation 5:12] saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!” [Revelation 5:13] I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!” [Revelation 5:14] The four living creatures said, “Amen!” Then the elders fell down and worshiped.
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devotional responseStrongly supportedPsalm 150 directly commands all with breath to praise. Psalms 98 and 145 support universal praise grounded in God’s salvation, goodness, faithfulness, and enduring kingdom.
Psalms 150:6WEB
Direct quoteMatches in contextPsalm 150 directly commands everything with breath to praise the Lord.
Passage · Psalms 150:4–6[Psalms 150:4] Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute! [Psalms 150:5] Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals! [Psalms 150:6] Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Psalms 98:4–6WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 98 calls all the earth to joyful praise before the LORD.
Passage · Psalms 98:2–8[Psalms 98:2] The LORD has made known his salvation. He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations. [Psalms 98:3] He has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. [Psalms 98:4] Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises! [Psalms 98:5] Sing praises to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the voice of melody. [Psalms 98:6] With trumpets and sound of the ram’s horn, make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. [Psalms 98:7] Let the sea roar with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein. [Psalms 98:8] Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the mountains sing for joy together.
Psalms 145:10–13WEB
Related themeMatches in contextPsalm 145 says all God’s works give thanks and proclaims his everlasting kingdom.
Passage · Psalms 145:8–15[Psalms 145:8] The LORD is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving kindness. [Psalms 145:9] The LORD is good to all. His tender mercies are over all his works. [Psalms 145:10] All your works will give thanks to you, LORD. Your saints will extol you. [Psalms 145:11] They will speak of the glory of your kingdom, and talk about your power, [Psalms 145:12] to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, the glory of the majesty of his kingdom. [Psalms 145:13] Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and loving in all his deeds. [Psalms 145:14] The LORD upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down. [Psalms 145:15] The eyes of all wait for you. You give them their food in due season.