PSALM 148

Ps 148:1-14. The scope of this Psalm is the same as that of the preceding.

1. heavens [and] heights-are synonymous.

2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

2. hosts-(compare Ps 103:21).

3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

4. heavens of heavens-the very highest.

waters-clouds, resting above the visible heavens (compare Ge 1:7).

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

5. praise the name-as representing His perfections.

he commanded-"He" is emphatic, ascribing creation to God alone.

6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

6. The perpetuity of the frame of nature is, of course, subject to Him who formed it.

a decree . pass-His ordinances respecting them shall not change (Jer 36:31), or perish (Job 34:20; Ps 37:36).

7 Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on [636]Ps 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.

8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

8. fulfilling his word-or, law, may be understood of each. Next the most distinguished productions of the vegetable world.

9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

9. fruitful trees-or, "trees of fruit," as opposed to forest trees. Wild and domestic, large and small animals are comprehended.

10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

11, 12. Next all rational beings, from the highest in rank to little children.

princes-or, military leaders.

12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

13. Let them-all mentioned.

excellent-or, exalted (Isa 12:4).

his glory-majesty (Ps 45:3).

above the earth and heaven-Their united splendors fail to match His.

14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

14. exalteth the horn-established power (Ps 75:5, 6).

praise of-or literally, "for"

his saints-that is, occasions for them to praise Him. They are further described as "His people," and "near unto Him," sustaining by covenanted care a peculiarly intimate relation.