A whole variety of musical instruments are mentioned in Ps 150, highlighting again the importance of music in the collective worship of God.
The trumpet (or ram’s horn) was associated with the grandest and most solemn events in Israel’s history, such as the giving of the law (Ex 19:16), the proclamation of jubilee (Lev 25:8-9), the coronation of Jewish kings (2 Sam 15:10) and the raging of war (Joshua 6:20) It is also referred to in the New Testament regarding the 2nd coming of our Lord and the raising of the dead (1 Thess 4:16, 1 Cor 15:51-52).
The harp and lyre were stringed instruments played by the Levites and used in worship (see 1 Chron 25:1).
The timbrel was a percussion instruments, often played by women and associated with victory celebrations (Ex 15:20, Judges 11:24, 1 Sam 18:6). Cymbals were also percussion instruments, associated with loud, triumphant celebration.
The flute was a wind instrument and stringed instruments (mentioned only here and in Ps 45:8) were not associated with priestly worship, indicating that worship is to be by any means possible. The broad list of musical instruments tells us that God wants every class and group of people to praise Him, because these instruments were normally played by different types of people. “The horn was the curved ‘Shophar,’ blown by the priests; harp and psaltery were played by the Levites, timbrels were struck by women; and dancing, playing on stringed instruments and pipes and cymbals, were not reserved for the Levites.” (Maclaren) Praise is to be vibrant and varied. As someone once remarked, “Why should the devil have all the good music?” Music is a gift from God and our praise should include instruments, songs, shouting and dancing, all for His glory.