Psalm 148

The tribute of creation. The psalmist writes in a very jubilant strain; his mood is that of exultation. The sunshine of prosperity is on his path, and consequently the spirit of sacred joy is in his heart, and words of praise upon his lips. He calls upon the whole universe to pay its tribute of praise to Jehovah. This includes— I. THE HEAVENLY INTELLIGENCES . ( Psalms 148:2 .) It is in full accord with all that we read in both the Old and the New Testament that we think of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:2

Praise ye him, all his angels (comp. Psalms 103:20 , Psalms 103:21 ). As the angels occupy the first rank in creation, and have the most to praise God for, they are fitly called upon to commence the song of jubilation. The praises of God must form their chief occupation through all eternity. Praise ye him, all his hosts ; rather, all his host . In the "host of God" are included beings of inferior rank to angels—"ministers of his that do his pleasure" ( Psalms 103:21 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:3

Praise ye him, sun and moon . Objects of worship to most heathen nations, but here called upon to join in the chorus of praise to God. Praise him, all ye stars of light ; i . e . ye brilliant stars, that light up the heaven at night. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:4

Praise him, ye heavens of heavens ; i . e . "ye highest heavens" (comp. Deuteronomy 10:14 ; 1 Kings 8:27 ; Psalms 68:33 ). And ye waters that be above the heavens (comp. Genesis 1:7 ). The clouds are probably intended. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:5

Let them praise the Name of the Lord . Frequent changes of person, when no doubt can arise as to the meaning, are a sort of Hebrew idiom. They give liveliness and variety. For he commanded, and they were created ( Genesis 1:3 , Genesis 1:6 , Genesis 1:9 , Genesis 1:11 , Genesis 1:14 , Genesis 1:15 , etc.). All creation sprang into being at the word of God ( Psalms 33:8 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:6

He hath also established them forever and ever (comp. Psalms 89:37 ). The expression, "forever and ever," must not be pressed. It means "for all time"—while heaven and earth endure—but does not imply an absolute perpetuity. He hath made a decree which shall not pass ; rather, which shall not pass away (see the Revised Version; and comp Genesis 8:22 ; Jeremiah 31:35 , Jeremiah 31:36 ; Jeremiah 33:25 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:6

The permanence of natural law. "He hath also stablished them for ever and ever." The permanence of natural law is not really any scientific discovery of modern date. It is the commonplace of thoughtful apprehension of facts in all ages. It is the basis of confidence on which man's enterprises have always rested. What is peculiar to modern times is the persistent effort to get law separated from God, to prove that law exists, but that it never had a lawgiver, and that now, for its working,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:7

Praise the Lord from the earth . The counterpart of the clause in Psalms 148:1 , "Praise ye the Lord from the heavens." Earth must join with heaven in the praise of God. Ye dragons ; or, "ye sea-monsters" (comp. Psalms 74:13 , where the same word is used). Hengstenberg translates by "whales;" but all the greater sea-animals are probably included. And all deeps . The extreme "ocean depths" are meant—"lower deeps," in certain parts of what was commonly known as "the great deep" ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:7-8

The praise-voices of nature-forces. How poet-souls recognize the voices of nature may be illustrated by Milton's lines- "His praise, ye winds, that from four quarters blow, Breathe soft or loud; and wave your tops, ye pines, With every plant, in sign of worship wave!" What is peculiar to the psalmist is his recognizing signs of will in nature. He conceives of "stormy wind fulfilling his Word," voluntarily fulfilling it, and so an image of himself. It is a blending of poetic and... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:1-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:1-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 148:7-8

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