Psalm 148’s clarion call to zestful praise of Jehovah begins with the heavens (vv. 1-6; see yesterday’s post). It concludes with an equally rousing call to earth’s creations—”Praise the Lord from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word; mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars; beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl; kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth; both young men and maidens; old men and children” (vv. 7-12).
What a list of earth’s inhabitants and earthly things!
- Animals created to dwell on the land, within the sea, and in the air.
- Atmospheric creations which produce the many varieties of weather.
- Topographical features of the earth.
- Trees created for food and lumber.
- Governmental leaders their underlings, and all their citizens.
- Humans—young and old, male and female.
Each is identified and then instructed: “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven” (v. 13).
The psalm concludes (v. 14) with a final exhortation addressed to all those who are privileged to be His people: “He has exalted the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints—of the children of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord!”
The incomparable and utter praiseworthiness of Jehovah ought ever to be foremost in your heart and mind.
