Psalms · psalm 148 of 150
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Psalm 148 is a call for all creation to praise the Lord. It first summons the heavens, the angels, the sun, moon, stars and the waters above; then the earth, from the sea creatures and storms to the mountains, trees, animals, kings, young men and old. All are to praise his name, because he commanded and they were created, and because he has raised up a horn for his people.
Psalm 148 is the third of the hallelujah psalms that end the Psalter. It is a cosmic hymn: it summons everything that exists, in two great choirs, that of the heavens and that of the earth, to praise the one who made it. There are no human beings in the first choir, and in the second they appear last, as part of a creation that praises. In its simple structure there is a clear theological lesson: praise is the end of all that is created.
The psalm begins with a hallelujah and a call: praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights. Verses 2 to 4 summon his angels and all his hosts, sun and moon, all shining stars, the highest heavens and the waters above the heavens. Verses 5 and 6 give the reason: let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created; he established them forever and gave a decree that will not pass away.
Verses 7 to 10 direct the call to the earth: praise the Lord from the earth, you sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word; mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars; beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds.
Verses 11 and 12 reach human beings: kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth, young men and maidens together, old and young. Verse 13 repeats the reason: let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. Verse 14 ends with a note for his people: he has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Hallelujah.
References follow ESV book names and verse numbers. Read each verse in your Bible before the explanation.
The psalm summons the heavens and the angels to praise the Lord. Heavenly beings are called to join the choir of creation.
The reason for praise is that the Lord commanded and everything was created. Creation exists by his word and owes him everything.
Even sea creatures, winds and trees are called to praise the Lord. All creation has a place in worship, each thing in its own way.
The Lord's name alone is exalted, and his majesty is above earth and heaven. The psalm shrinks all created greatness beside the greatness of God.
6 questions with answers and references, ready for Sunday school, small group or a Bible quiz night.
Answer: The heavens, his angels and all his hosts. — Psalm 148:1-2
Answer: The sun, the moon and all shining stars. — Psalm 148:3
Answer: Because he commanded and they were created. — Psalm 148:5
Answer: Sea creatures, mountains, trees, beasts, livestock and birds. — Psalm 148:7-10
Answer: Kings, peoples, princes, young men, old men and children. — Psalm 148:11-12
Answer: He has raised up a horn for them, and they are a people near to him. — Psalm 148:14
Psalm 148 invites us to see creation as a choir and to join it. In a small group you can go out to look at a landscape or the sky and say aloud the things that praise God. Praise is not only a Sunday activity but the purpose of everything created.
It also reminds us that no one is left out of the call: young and old, kings and ordinary people. A church that praises God includes every age. For Christians, Christ is the agent of creation and its reconciler, and creation's praise is completed in him. Caring for creation is one way to join its praise.
Psalm 148 ends with the people of God, near to him, at the center of praise. Psalm 149 puts that praise in the mouth of the faithful, with a new song, dancing and music.
It is an expression based on ancient cosmology and on Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters below from those above by means of the expanse. In the psalm it expresses that everything, even the highest and least known, is part of the creation that praises the Lord.
The psalm uses poetic language: creation praises God by existing and fulfilling its purpose, showing his wisdom and power. Human beings, who have a voice, put words to that praise. Other psalms, such as Psalm 19, say that the heavens declare the glory of God.
In the Hebrew text it is a picture of strength and victory, since the horn was a symbol of an animal's power. It means that God gave dignity, strength and salvation to Israel. Christians see in that hope an anticipation of the salvation that comes through Christ.