1. The last 5 psalms (146-150) have something in common -- they all begin and end with the same exhortation: "Praise ye the Lord." 2. In our lesson we are studying Psalm 148 that presents a number of appeals for God to be praised by the entire creation. 3. This Psalm 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." 4. After the opening exhortation "Praise ye the Lord" (vs.1a), . . . Discussion:
I. (vs.1b-6) THIS PSALM CALLS FOR THE LORD TO BE PRAISED "FROM THE HEAVENS" AND "IN THE HEIGHTS" (vs.1)
A. (vs.2-4) Several specific appeals are made. 1. (vs.2) An appeal is made for the Lord to be praised by "all his angels" and "all his hosts" (see Luke 2:13-15a). 2. (vs.3) An appeal is made for the Lord to be praised by the sun, the moon, and the stars (see Psalm 19:1-6). 3. (vs.4) An appeal is made for the Lord to be praised by the "heavens of heavens" and the "waters that be above the heavens." B. (vs.5-6) The writer explained why the Lord deserves such praise. 1. (vs.5) The Lord gave His commands, and these things were created (Hebrews 11:3). 2. Details are recorded in Genesis 1:6-8, 14-19. 3. (vs.6) God established these things "for ever and ever," and His decree will not pass. 4. We must not misunderstand vs.6 to mean that the objects in the heavens will always exist (see Genesis 8:22; 2 Peter 3:10). 5. The Lord's decree is for the heavens and the heights to praise Him as long as they exist. II. (vs.7-14) THIS PSALM CALLS FOR THE LORD TO BE PRAISED "FROM THE EARTH" (vs.7a)
A. (vs.7b-12) Several specific appeals are made. 1. (vs.7b) An appeal is made for the Lord to be praised by creatures from the deep [sea creatures]. 2. (vs.8) An appeal is made for the Lord to be praised by the weather. 3. (vs.9a) An appeal is made for the Lord to be praised by the mountains and hills. 4. (vs.9b) An appeal is made for the Lord to be praised by the fruitful trees and cedars. 5. (vs.10a) An appeal is made for the Lord to be praised by beasts and cattle. 6. (vs.10b) An appeal is made for the Lord to be praised by creeping things and birds. 7. (vs.11-12) An appeal is made for the Lord to be praised by all people, including kings, princes, judges, young men, maidens, old men, and children. 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 deserves such praise. 1. (vs.13) The Lord's name is "excellent," and His glory "is above the earth and heaven" (see Psalm 8:1, 9). 2. (vs.14) The Lord abundantly blesses His people (see 1 Peter 2:9-10). Conclusion:
1. Psalm 148 presents a series of appeals for the Lord to be praised. 2. Let us conclude with the appeal given in Hebrews 13:15.
