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 a joyful climax in the Book of Psalms, inviting every kind of instrument to join in the divine praise. The eight instruments listed—trumpet, lute, harp, tambourine, strings, flute, cymbals, and loud cymbals—represent not just sound, but the heart of worship, showcasing how every melody contributes to a richer tapestry of devotion.

Interestingly, each of these instruments carries its own significance. The trumpet, often associated with heralding triumphant news like the arrival of a king or the call to battle, reflects a joyous announcement in worship. The lute and harp represent intimate musical expressions associated with deep reflection and love, similar to how King David expressed his feelings through song.

Did you know that tambourines, linked closely to joyful dance, were often played by women during celebrations? Miriam, Moses' sister, famously used one in a victory song after the Exodus (Exodus 15:20). The cymbals, on the other hand, add a robust punctuation to the praises, encouraging the worshipers to shout and rejoice—it’s like causing an artistic celebration in sound!

Moreover, it’s interesting to note how the New Testament emphasizes music and song too, depicting heavenly scenarios filled with chorus and harmony. From God’s glory in the Old Testament to the unity of voice that reverberates in Revelation, music acts like a bridge connecting finite beings with the infinite majesty of the divine. What an exquisite reminder that creativity is integral to spirituality!