|
The Psalms 25
Introduction: 1. The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poems, songs, and prayers composed over a long period of time by a number of people who wrote under a variety of circumstances. 2. Because of their beginning and concluding exhortations ["Praise ye the Lord"], the last 5 psalms (146-150) are designated as "Hallelujah Psalms." 3. This lesson is a study of Psalm 148, an exhortation for the entire creation to praise God. 4. Song #70 ["Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah"] is based on this psalm. 5. Psalm 148 may be divided into 2 main sections. a. (vs.1-6) God is to be praised "from the heavens." b. (vs.7-14) God is to be praised "from the earth." 6. After giving the opening exhortation "Praise ye the Lord" (vs.1a), . . . Discussion: I. (vs.1b-6) THE WRITER CALLED FOR THE LORD 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 (see Luke 2:8-15). 2. (vs.3) The writer called upon the sun, the moon, and the stars to praise the Lord (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. 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: a. Genesis 1:6-8 b. Genesis 1:14-19. 3. (vs.6) God established these beings and objects "for ever and ever," and His decree will not pass. 4. Does this statement mean that the objects in the heavens will always exist? (Genesis 8:22; 2 Peter 3:10) II. (vs.7-14) THE WRITER CALLED FOR THE LORD 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. 2. (vs.8) The writer called upon the weather to praise the Lord. 3. (vs.9a) The writer called upon the mountains and hills to praise the Lord. 4. (vs.9b) The writer called upon the fruitful trees and cedars to praise the Lord. 5. (vs.10a) The writer called upon beasts and cattle to praise the Lord. 6. (vs.10b) The writer called upon creeping things and birds to praise the Lord. 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. 8. God also created these beings and objects (Genesis 1:9-13, 20-23, 24-27). B. (vs.13-14) The writer explained why God deserves to be praised by these beings and objects. 1. (vs.13) The Lord's name is "excellent," 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). |