1. This Psalm is included in the last five [146-150] that place special emphasis on offering praise to the Lord -- they all begin and conclude with the admonition "Praise ye the Lord." 2. In Psalm 148 the writer called upon the entire creation to praise the Lord. 3. Specifically, the writer called upon the entire creation to offer praise to "the name of the Lord" (vs.5a, 13a). 4. Psalm 148 may be divided into 2 main sections. a. (vs.1-6) The Lord's name is to be praised "from the heavens." b. (vs.7-14) The Lord's name is to be praised "from the earth." 5. After giving the opening exhortation "Praise ye the Lord" (vs.1a), . . . Discussion: I. (vs.1b-6) THE WRITER MADE AN APPEAL FOR THE LORD'S NAME TO BE PRAISED "FROM THE HEAVENS" AND "IN THE HEIGHTS"
A. (vs.2-4) Several specific beings and objects located in the heavens are mentioned. 1. (vs.2) The writer called upon "all his angels" and "all his hosts" to praise the Lord's name (see Luke 2:13-14; Revelation 5:11-13). 2. (vs.3) The writer called upon the sun, the moon, and the stars to praise the Lord's name (see Psalm 19:1-6). 3. (vs.4) The writer called upon the "heavens of heavens" and the "waters that be above the heavens" to praise the Lord's name. B. (vs.5-6) The writer explained why these beings and objects are to offer praise to the Lord. 1. (vs.5) The Lord gave His commands, and these beings and objects were created (see Hebrews 11:3). 2. Details are recorded in Genesis 1:6-8, 14-19. 3. (vs.6) God established these beings and objects "for ever and ever," and His decree will not pass. 4. We must not understand this statement to mean that the objects in the heavens will always exist (see Genesis 8:22; 2 Peter 3:10). II. (vs.7-14) THE WRITER MADE AN APPEAL FOR THE LORD'S NAME TO BE PRAISED "FROM THE EARTH"
A. (vs.7b-12) Several specific beings and objects located on the earth are mentioned. 1. (vs.7b) The writer called upon creatures from the deep [sea creatures] to praise the Lord's name. 2. (vs.8) The writer called upon the weather to praise the Lord's name. 3. (vs.9a) The writer called upon the mountains and hills to praise the Lord's name. 4. (vs.9b) The writer called upon the fruitful trees and cedars to praise the Lord's name. 5. (vs.10a) The writer called upon beasts and cattle to praise the Lord's name. 6. (vs.10b) The writer called upon creeping things and birds to praise the Lord's name. 7. (vs.11-12) The writer called upon all people, including kings, princes, judges, young men, maidens, old men, and children, to praise the Lord's name. 8. God also created these beings and objects (Genesis 1:9-13, 20-23, 24-27). B. (vs.13-14) The writer explained why the Lord's name deserves to be praised by these beings and objects. 1. (vs.13) The Lord's name is "excellent" ["holy and reverend" -- Psalm 111:9], and His glory "is above the earth and heaven" (Psalm 8:1, 9). 2. (vs.14) The Lord abundantly blesses His people (1 Peter 2:9-10). Conclusion:
1. Let us always love, honor, and respect the Lord's great name. 2. Let us adopt the commitment expressed by David in Psalm 145:1-2.
