Come Praise The Lord
August 23, 2022
Commentary
This Psalm is a picture of how we as believers should praise God; individually, yet as a part of the great choir of believers worldwide. Although all of creation will be represented in this chorus, Israel the apple of God’s eye will be prominently featured in that chorus. We find in this Psalm an exhortation for all parts of the universe to praise the Lord. It seems to be addressed to three groups.
I. To the heavens and things above the earth (vv. 1-6).
a. Angels (v. 2).
b. Sun, Moon, and Stars (v. 3).
c. That above the starry heavens (v. 4).
II. To God’s creation on the earth (vv. 7-10).
a. Land and Sea (v. 7).
b. Elements that make up the weather (v. 8).
c. Things that grow on the land (v. 9).
d. Animals (v. 10).
III. To all mankind (vv. 11-14).
a. Those in leadership (v. 11).
b. The young and the old (v. 12).
c. All His saints (v. 14).
Are you singing your part in this great choir of believers worldwide?
Application
The psalmist concludes as he began with a call to “Praise ye the Lord.” I often neglect to praise Him, and my heart is sometimes unresponsive. How do I change this condition? By simply bowing again before Him and by adoring Him.
Psalms 148:1– 14 (NET)
1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the sky. Praise him in the heavens.
2 Praise him, all his angels. Praise him, all his heavenly assembly.
3 Praise him, O sun and moon. Praise him, all you shiny stars.
4 Praise him, O highest heaven, and you waters above the sky.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he gave the command and they came into existence.
6 He established them so they would endure; he issued a decree that will not be revoked.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea creatures and all you ocean depths,
8 O fire and hail, snow and clouds, O stormy wind that carries out his orders,
9 you mountains and all you hills, you fruit trees and all you cedars,
10 you animals and all you cattle, you creeping things and birds,
11 you kings of the earth and all you nations, you princes and all you leaders on the earth,
12 you young men and young women, you elderly, along with you children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty extends over the earth and sky.
14 He has made his people victorious, and given all his loyal followers reason to praise— the Israelites, the people who are close to him. Praise the Lord!