The answer is: 8

Psalm 150 - This psalm celebrates worship through music, listing eight instruments: trumpet, lute, harp, tambourine, strings, flute, cymbals, and loud cymbals. Each instrument symbolizes joy and praise to God. Interestingly, the use of music in worship echoes throughout Scripture, from David dancing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14) to heavenly choirs (Revelation 5:8-9).

Psalm 150 is like a great celebration, turning the entire Psalm into a rousing chorus that invites everyone to join in the joy of worship through music. The mention of eight distinct instruments tells us something profound about the breadth of worship. Each of these instruments has its own character in how they produce sound, just as the diverse communities of faith bring their unique expressions of reverence and joy.

Consider the trumpet that blasts forth in joyous announcement. It's a horn with rich history; in ancient times, instruments like the shofar were used to call people together, signaling important events or gatherings. The tambourine’s lively beat often called for celebration, associating it closely with dance and the female warrior Deborah, who sang and celebrated her people's victories (Judges 5:1).

Then you have the strings, where timeless melodies create captivating atmospheres. Think about King David strumming his harp to soothe King Saul—music had deep emotional power! Fast-forward to the New Testament – the Apostle Paul encourages the early Christians to sing spiritual songs; clearly, the legacy of music in worship continues.

And those “loud cymbals” at the end? They seem like a triumphant exclamation point, shouting praises to the heavens. They remind us that worship is not meant to be a hushed affair but a full-bodied celebration bursting with sound and spirit! All of this beautifully echoes the communal joy and united hearts in worship—no matter how diverse the instrumentation, the core aspiration remains the same: to celebrate and uplift the divine.