Reflections on Psalm 148

 

Psalms 148 (Contemporary English Version)


1. Shout praises to the LORD! Shout the LORD's praises in the highest heavens.
   
2. All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise.
   
3. Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise.
   
4. Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise.
   
5. Let all things praise the name of the LORD, because they were created at his command.
   
6. He made them to last forever, and nothing can change what he has done.
   
7. All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the LORD!
   
8. Sea monsters and the deep sea, fire and hail, snow and frost, and every stormy wind, come praise the LORD!
   
9. All mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars,
   
10. every wild and tame animal, all reptiles and birds, come praise the LORD!
    
11. Every king and every ruler, all nations on earth,
    
12. every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the LORD!
    
13. All creation, come praise the name of the LORD. Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth.
    
14. Like a bull with mighty horns, the LORD protects his faithful nation Israel, because they belong to him. Shout praises to the LORD!
    

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This psalm describes a universal choir lifting its voice in praise to the Lord. In its composition, this choir consists first of angels singing out their praise from the heavens. Then it moves to the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon, and stars, and the watery clouds. It is to the Lord, their creator, to whom they give praise. From the heavens above we go to the earth below, and the creatures of the sea are called on to give praise, followed by the elements, lightning, hail, etc., then the mountains with its trees, followed by all the creatures of the earth. Finally, we come to mankind.  The call goes first to the nobles and then to all people, old and young. The final verse draws all of this to a very fine point. Then the Israelites are given a special place in this choir, for from them flows a special blessing to all the world. This blessing being the horn - the Messiah - God has raised up for all people. He is the reason for the praise from this universal choir.