Psalm 148

Psalm 148 is the fourth of the five psalms (146–150) near the end of Book Five of the Psalms that begin and end with "Hallelujah." Whereas the preceding Psalm 147 praises God as the one who builds up Jerusalem and governs snow, frost, and hail, this psalm extends the call to praise to every creature in heaven and on earth.

Structure

• Verses 1–4 call for praise from the heavens. The angels, all the hosts, the sun and moon and stars, the heavens of heavens, and the waters above the heavens are summoned in turn.
• Verses 5–6 give the reason for praise. These things were created at the LORD's command, and He established them forever by a decree that shall not pass.
• Verses 7–12 call for praise from the earth. Summoned are the dragons and all deeps; fire, hail, snow, vapor, and stormy wind; mountains, fruitful trees, and cedars; beasts, cattle, creeping things, and birds; kings, peoples, princes, and judges; young men and maidens, old men and children.
• Verses 13–14 declare that the LORD's name alone is exalted, celebrate that He has lifted up the horn of His people Israel, and close with "Hallelujah."

Key Verses

• Psalm 148:5: "for he commanded, and they were created" (KJV). The psalm grounds the praise of creatures in creation.
• Psalm 148:13: "for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven." This is the conclusion that unites the praise of heaven and earth.
• Psalm 148:14: "He also exalteth the horn of his people." In biblical usage, "horn" signifies strength and dignity.

People and Places

• Angels: The "angels" and "hosts" of verse 2 are understood as beings who serve God in heaven.
• The children of Israel: In verse 14 they are called "a people near unto him."

Points for Reflection

• The order in which the psalm lists creatures, descending from heaven to earth, is often compared with Genesis 1. The "waters that be above the heavens" in verse 4 are likewise understood as the same expression as the waters above the firmament in Genesis 1.
• The word "dragons" in verse 7 translates the Hebrew tanninim, which other versions render differently, for example as "sea monsters." Many interpreters take the word to refer not to the dragon of mythology but to the great creatures of the sea.
• The "horn" of verse 14 refers primarily to the restoration and strength of Israel, but Christian tradition also reads it in connection with the Song of Zacharias in Luke 1, which celebrates a "horn of salvation."
• The scene in which all creation joins in praise is mentioned together with Revelation 5, where every creature in heaven and on earth praises the Lamb.
• The "Song of the Three Young Men," an addition found in the Greek versions of Daniel, likewise calls upon creatures one after another to give praise, much as this psalm does. The Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion use it as a liturgical canticle, but most Protestants do not regard this addition as canonical.