Psalms 148

1 alleluia laudate Dominum de caelis laudate eum in excelsis
2 laudate eum omnes angeli eius laudate eum omnes virtutes eius
3 laudate eum sol et luna laudate eum omnes stellae et lumen
4 laudate eum caeli caelorum et aqua quae super caelum est
5 laudent nomen Domini quia ipse dixit et facta sunt ipse mandavit et creata sunt
6 statuit ea in saeculum et in saeculum saeculi praeceptum posuit et non praeteribit
7 laudate Dominum de terra dracones et omnes abyssi
8 ignis grando nix glacies spiritus procellarum quae faciunt verbum eius
9 montes et omnes colles ligna fructifera et omnes cedri
10 bestiae et universa pecora serpentes et volucres pinnatae
11 reges terrae et omnes populi principes et omnes iudices terrae
12 iuvenes et virgines senes cum iunioribus laudent nomen Domini
13 quia exaltatum est nomen eius solius
14 confessio eius super caelum et terram et exaltabit cornu populi sui hymnus omnibus sanctis eius filiis Israhel populo adpropinquanti sibi

Psalms 148 Commentary

Chapter 148

The creatures placed in the upper world called on to praise the Lord. (1-6) Also the creatures of this lower world, especially his own people. (7-14)

Verses 1-6 We, in this dark and sinful world, know little of the heavenly world of light. But we know that there is above us a world of blessed angels. They are always praising God, therefore the psalmist shows his desire that God may be praised in the best manner; also we show that we have communion with spirits above, who are still praising him. The heavens, with all contained in them, declare the glory of God. They call on us, that both by word and deed, we glorify with them the Creator and Redeemer of the universe.

Verses 7-14 Even in this world, dark and bad as it is, God is praised. The powers of nature, be they ever so strong, so stormy, do what God appoints them, and no more. Those that rebel against God's word, show themselves to be more violent than even the stormy winds, yet they fulfil it. View the surface of the earth, mountains and all hills; from the barren tops of some, and the fruitful tops of others, we may fetch matter for praise. And assuredly creatures which have the powers of reason, ought to employ themselves in praising God. Let all manner of persons praise God. Those of every rank, high and low. Let us show that we are his saints by praising his name continually. He is not only our Creator, but our Redeemer; who made us a people near unto him. We may by "the Horn of his people" understand Christ, whom God has exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, who is indeed the defence and the praise of all his saints, and will be so for ever. In redemption, that unspeakable glory is displayed, which forms the source of all our hopes and joys. May the Lord pardon us, and teach our hearts to love him more and praise him better.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 148

This psalm seems to have been written about the same time, and by the same person, as the preceding; even by the psalmist David, when he was in profound peace, and at rest from all his enemies; and the kingdom of Israel was in a well settled and prosperous condition, both with respect to things civil and ecclesiastical, as appears from Ps 148:14. And as it may respect future time, the times of the Messiah, of whom David was a type, it will have its accomplishment in the latter day, when there will be just occasion for all creatures, in heaven and earth, to praise the Lord; and which the Evangelist John, in vision, saw and heard them doing, Re 5:11-13. Aben Ezra says, this psalm is exceeding glorious and excellent, and has deep secrets in it; in which the psalmist speaks of two worlds, the upper and the lower. As for the title of this psalm, the Septuagint, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, and Apollinarius, entitle it as the two preceding.

Psalms 148 Commentaries

The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.