Sunday, January 29, 2017 Lesson: Psalms 148:1-14; Time of Action: probably around 516 B.C.; Place of Action: probably Jerusalem Golden Text: Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created (Psalms 148:5). I. INTRODUCTION. Praise the Lord! Sometimes that phrase is spoken as a command and sometimes it s spoken as a response to what God has done. But what does it mean to praise the Lord? When we praise the Lord, we give Him the glory and honor He deserves; we exalt His name. Psalms 148 gives us a perspective of just who and what is meant to bring praise to the Lord. It elevates praise to the highest level possible. For sure we don t have to be perfect people to praise the Lord, although He won t accept insincere or phony praise. He is not pleased with praise from those who don t trust or obey Him. Praise from a pure heart will always please the Lord. In this week s lesson, we will learn more about the importance for all creation to praise God.
II. LESSON BACKGROUND. The author of Psalms 148 is unknown. In this psalm he summons all creation to praise the Lord. However, his call to praise God takes prominence over the reasons for praise. There are three exhortations. The first exhortation to praise God is toward heaven (see verses 1 6), the second to the earth (see verses 7 12), and the last exhortation to praise the Lord is to the chosen people of God (see verses 13-14). It s interesting to note that the psalmist here uses the poetic form of personification, giving human characteristics to nonhuman things, when describing the praise given to God by His creation. III. THE PRAISE OF HEAVEN (Psalms 148:1-6) A. The call for praise (Psalms 148:1). In our first verse the psalmist says Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights. The phrase Praise ye the Lord is an imperative call to express the superior qualities of the Lord. In Hebrew, Praise ye the Lord is Hallelu Yah, pronounced Hallelujah. Praise is an outward expression of gratitude to God. It can be done in various ways. Music, verbal expressions, and physical expressions such as lifting of hands are some of the ways God s people can express their praise. In this verse the psalmist s call was to Praise ye the Lord from the
heavens. In other words, God is to be praised by everything beyond the earth. The heavens are normally described as containing different levels, although the details are never spelled out in the Bible (see II Corinthians 12:2). The phrase praise him in the heights is simply another way of saying praise ye the Lord from the heavens. They both mean the same thing; they are synonymous, for the heavens are the heights. B. The call for praise from the heavenly beings (Psalms 148:2). Continuing his call for praise from the heavens, the psalmist went on to say Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. God s angels are created spirit beings who are superior to man (see Psalms 8:4-5; Hebrews 2:7) in both power and rank, yet like us they are called upon to Praise ye him and they do (see Revelation 7:11). The phrase praise ye him, all his hosts is also a restatement of the first part of this verse Praise ye him, all his angels. The word hosts means armies and usually refers to God s angelic army in heaven. The hosts or armies of heaven include the angels (see Psalms 103:20-21) and the stars and planets (see Deuteronomy 4:19), all of which praise the Lord. These are his angels because God is Jehovah Sabaoth which means the Lord of Hosts (see Romans 9:29; Isaiah 1:9; James 5:4).
C. The call for praise from the heavenly bodies (Psalms 148:3). In this verse the psalmist continued his call to praise saying Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. The heavenly bodies, the sun and moon and all ye stars of light are called to Praise ye him (God). These heavenly bodies praise the Lord simply by doing what they were commanded to do (see Psalms 8:1-3; 19:1-6; 136:7-9). They were created to give light and distinguish the seasons. However, these heavenly bodies are also signs that testify for the Creator (see Psalms 8:3-4; 19:1-2). We cannot see the angels in heaven, but we can see the heavenly bodies by day and night, and they tell us that there is a God and that He is wise, powerful, and glorious (Romans 1:18-20). D. The call for praise from all that is in the heavens (Psalms 148:4). Here the psalmist said Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. The words heavens of heavens no doubt refers to God s dwelling place. There are the heavens of heavens above the sun and stars, the seat of the blessed Lord. God is praised from this vastness and the abundance of His glory overflows to Him, for the heavens of heavens are the Lord s (see Psalms 115:16) and yet they cannot contain him (I Kings 8:27). In the last part of this verse, the call to praise God is given to ye waters that be above the heavens. The waters here probably refer to the moisture in the earth s atmosphere (see Genesis 1:7) that falls to the earth in some form of precipitation. The term
heavens at the end of this verse is different from the heavens of heavens and refers to the skies beyond the clouds. E. The reasons for praise (Psalms 148:5-6). 1. (vs. 5). In this verse the psalmist says Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. The word them here refers back to everything in creation in verses 1-4 as well as the upcoming verses 7-12. The psalmist uses personification here which means to give human characteristics to inanimate or nonhuman things. He then declares that what should be praised by creation was the name of the Lord. God s name stands for His character and attributes or all that He is. It also speaks of His reputation. In the last part of this verse, the psalmist gives one reason for praising the name of the Lord. It was because he commanded, and they were created. God commanded creation (as great as it is) out of nothing, with the words let there be and there was (see Genesis 1:3, 6, 14). God s power and wisdom He demonstrated in creating all things is more than enough reason for universal praise. 2. (vs. 6). The psalmist continues to say in this verse He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. In other words, He established all of creation and still upholds and preserves them in their beings, their powers and motions
for ever and ever. In addition, to establishing all of creation, he hath made a decree which shall not pass. The word decree can mean an order or command. God ordered His creation into existence as well as its orderly operation by establishing laws to govern it. The decree or laws governing nature was enacted by the wisdom of God, and therefore shall not pass, meaning nothing can alter or remove it (see Jeremiah 31:35-36). All of nature that praised God at first for their creation must praise Him still for their continued existence. This is another reason to praise the Lord. IV. THE PRAISE OF THE EARTH (Psalms 148:7-14) A. The call for praise from the earth and its seas (Psalms 148:7). In this verse, the psalmist s call was to Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps. Having elicited praise from God s creation above the earth, now the psalmist focuses on praising the Lord from the earth. In other words the Lord should receive praise from everything down here on earth. He begins with ye dragons. The Bible is not clear on what type of creatures these were. However, we do know that since the Scriptures speak of real animals, these dragons were also real and not mythological beasts. This is a real creature that lives in the deeps meaning the deep sea. It may be best to understand dragons to simply refer to large sea
creatures. Even these were created by God and therefore are called upon by the psalmist to Praise the Lord. B. The call for praise from earth s elements (Psalms 148:8). Still referring to the earth s call to praise God, in this verse the psalmist said Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word. The psalmist here called on earth s elements to praise the Lord. Fire and hail can be both helpful and destructive. Fire can also refer to lightening, and hail is a type of precipitation. Fire and hail can be both helpful and destructive (see Exodus 9:18-25). Snow is also a type of precipitation. The term vapours could refer to clouds or fog, and stormy wind can refer to heavy winds including tornadoes and hurricanes. All of these elements and forces are extremely strong and uncontrollable, yet they are continuously fulfilling his (God s) word. In other words, they do everything that God appoints them to do and nothing less. Christ demonstrated this as He showed himself to have divine power when He commanded the winds and the seas with the words Peace, be still and they obeyed him. He is Master over all the elements. God uses these elements of nature to accomplish His purposes, whether it is to water the earth, clear the land, or even judge His people. C. The call for praise from earth s features (Psalms 148:9). This verse goes on to say Mountains, and
all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars. The psalmist now turned his attention to the earth s surface and the features of the land that also testify to God s creative power calling on them to praise the Lord. He included the lofty mountains and the lower hills. There were many fruitful trees in Israel that provided food for both people and animals. Cedars were tall trees and highly sought after for use in construction. They were used in the construction of the temple (see I Kings 5:2-10; 6:9-10, 15-18). The layout of the earth and its plants and vegetation were created by the Lord and exist for our enjoyment and benefit. But like all of creation, they also exist to bring glory to God. D. The call for praise from earth s animals (Psalms 148:10). This verse says Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl. The psalmist now called on earth s animals to praise the Lord. Beasts literally means living creatures or living things. However, here it most likely refers to wild or untamed animals since all cattle would include livestock and domesticated or tamed animals which are used in the service of man. Creeping things most likely refer to all types of reptiles. Of course flying fowl refers to all types of birds. The psalmist used these animals to include all animal life on earth (see Ezekiel 38:20) created by God and therefore called on to praise Him.
E. The call for praise from earth s people (Psalms 148:11-12). 1. (vs. 11). This verse continues with Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth. Now the psalmist focuses on different groups of people on earth who are called to praise the Lord. First are Kings of the earth which identifies the most powerful people on earth. It is by God that kings reign, and people are subject to them. All people can mean all nations which would include people all over the earth. Princes refer to all leaders whether they are royal officials, military or religious. All judges probably include those who make rulings in legal matters as well as carrying out other government duties. People who have authority over others have been given that authority by the Lord (see Romans 13:1-7). For that reason, they should be respected. However, they too must praise the Lord who gave them the power they possess. The words of the earth refers to all of the people the psalmist mentioned in this verse. Note: God is to be glorified and praised by all persons, those of every rank, both high and low. The praises of kings, and princes, and judges, and mayors, governors, congressmen and presidents are demanded. Those on whom God has put honor must honor Him with honor, and the power they are entrusted with in the world, puts them in a capacity of bringing more glory to God and doing Him more service than others. Yet the praises of the people are expected also, and God will graciously accept them just as Christ accepted the cries of Hosanna (save us now) from the multitude (see
Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9-10; John 12:13). 2. (vs. 12). In this verse, the psalmist added Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children. The psalmist s call to worship the Lord also went out to Both young men, and maidens. Young men, and maidens represent both sexes who are in the prime of life. Maidens can also be translated virgins. Also expected to praise the Lord are old men, and children. Regardless of their age, old men must still bring forth the fruit of praise, and not think that either the gravity or the infirmity of their age will excuse them from it. The term children normally was applied to those from infancy to young adulthood. Even children too, must begin early to praise God. The psalmist s desire was to include everyone, for we all are equally part of God s creation, and all are equally expected to praise Him. F. The reasons for praise (Psalms 148:13-14). 1. (vs. 13). In this verse the psalmist said Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. The words Let them praise refers to all of God s creation, in heaven, under heaven, and on earth including all men and women. The psalmist called on them to praise the name of the Lord. As noted earlier, God s name includes His reputation and all that He is, so He must be praised in His fullness. Then the psalmist gives the reason
why all these should praise the name of the Lord. It is because his name alone is excellent and therefore, worthy to be praised. It is a name above every name. No name, no nature, but His alone has in it all Excellency. In addition, his glory is above the earth and the heaven. In other words, God s glory is far above anything we can see in the heavens or on the earth. Creation points to the Creator. Therefore, all inhabitants, both of earth and heaven must praise Him and acknowledge his name to be exalted far above all blessing and praise. 2. (vs. 14). In our final verse, the psalmist declared 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. In this verse the psalmist gives yet another reason for creation to praise the Lord. It has to do with God s people. The psalmist declared that He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints. The word horn indicated strength and power and often described a powerful ruler (see Psalms 89:17, 24; 132:17). The Lord deserved to be praised because He had blessed his people by raising them up in strength and power, and giving them prosperity, dignity, and preeminence. Their horn or strength and power was also described as the praise of all his saints. In other words, the people of Israel were, in many respects honored above any other nation. The Lord called them a holy people, a peculiar people who would become a kingdom of priests (see Exodus 19:6; Deuteronomy 14:2; 26:19). In addition, the Apostle Paul declared that to them (Israel) pertained the adoption, the glory, and the covenants (see Romans 9:4).
The psalmist also declared that Israel was also blessed because they were a people near unto him (God). To be brought near to God is the greatest honor that can be put upon a man. The nearer the better! It is implied here that Israel was near to God because of their obedience to Him. Whenever they were obedient they enjoyed power, strength and prosperity just as the Lord had promised them in His Mosaic covenant (see Deuteronomy 28:1-14). God expects those whom He honors to honor Him. Therefore, the psalmist ended this passage just as he began it with the command to Praise ye the Lord. Note: This is a command that s just as appropriate for us today. If the entire created universe rises to praise the Lord in unison, surely we who have been redeemed and favored by God s grace should continuously praise the name of the Lord. How anyone could take the privilege and responsibility of praising and worshiping God lightly after reviewing Psalms 148 is beyond my comprehension. V. Conclusion. If you ever wondered whether or when praising God is appropriate, after reading Psalms 148 you should wonder no longer. All created things should praise the Lord all the time. The heavens and the earth praise Him. They obey His commands completely and without error. It should be our natural, normal state of mind to praise Him. Sometimes the most thrilling things in life are the simplest.
If we take a walk outside and see the sky above, or a sunset, or a hill or mountain or tree, or an animal, something that God has created and designed, we see His handiwork. That observation then becomes a blessing and leads us to worship. Yes, all creation points to God and calls for us to praise Him. Praise ye the Lord! ***The Bible Expositor and Illuminator, Union Gospel Press***