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 offers a vibrant tapestry of sound, celebrating the joy of worship through a well-curated ensemble of musical instruments. These eight instruments — trumpet, lute, harp, tambourine, strings, flute, cymbals, and loud cymbals — invite congregations to join in a jubilant symphony of praise. Each of these instruments contributes its unique timbre to create an ecstatic atmosphere of worship, reminiscent of a festival that encourages all to participate, regardless of their musical prowess.

Curiously, the trumpet, or shofar in Hebrew tradition, served both as a call to assembly and an echo of divine proclamation. It’s fascinating to note that, in ancient Israel, trumpets were often blown during significant religious festivals, drawing people closer to the sacred. The tambourine and dance mentioned in this psalm also recall Miriam's celebration in Exodus 15:20, emphasizing not just sound but movement as part of worship.

Diving deeper, the insistence on loud cymbals can be seen as a call to make our worship resound and reverberate through every corner of existence. Revelation echoes these sentiments in its portrayal of the heavenly choir, emphasizing continuity from the early worshipers to divine gatherings.

Using so many instruments highlights that God is joyful and appreciates our creativity in how we express our devotion. After all, true worship comes from the heart, whether through song, dance, or silent reverie, making all expressions of worship sacred and valuable.