THE GLORY OF GOD IS ABOVE ALL CREATION

Psalm 148:1-14 / Keywords 148:13

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

 

Psalm 148

1 Praise the Lord.[a]

Praise the Lord from the heavens;

    praise him in the heights above.

2 Praise him, all his angels;

    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

3 Praise him, sun and moon;

    praise him, all you shining stars.

4 Praise him, you highest heavens

    and you waters above the skies.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,

    for at his command they were created,

6 and he established them for ever and ever—

    he issued a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth,

    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,

    stormy winds that do his bidding,

9 you mountains and all hills,

    fruit trees and all cedars,

10 wild animals and all cattle,

    small creatures and flying birds,

11 kings of the earth and all nations,

    you princes and all rulers on earth,

12 young men and women,

    old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,

    for his name alone is exalted;

    his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,[b]

    the praise of all his faithful servants,

    of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the Lord.

Footnotes

a. Psalm 148:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 14

b. Psalm 148:14 Horn here symbolizes strength.

1. Talented or not, singing God’s praise with thousands of others is exciting and uplifting. The praise the psalmist calls for, however, goes far beyond that. The psalmist encourages all creation to sing the praises of our Creator. All creation has reason to praise God, for at his command all things were made. The psalmist assembles this amazing chorus one group at a time. First, he calls for all the angels and heavenly hosts to praise God. The sun, moon, and stars join the chorus as well. Every level of heaven, from the clouds to the very throne of God, is to worship him. On earth, the creatures of the sea, the land, and the air are to praise God. Among the creatures of the earth, humanity has the greatest reason to praise him for we were blessed to be created in the very image of God. All people, from infants to the elderly and from rulers to the common are to praise God. His glory is above all creation and he alone is to be worshiped.

 

2. There is one group that stands out the most in this magnificent chorus. God chose the people of Israel and called them to be his own. He rescued and strengthened them and drew them close to his heart. They have the best reason to sing joyfully to their Lord and Savior. In Christ, this great privilege is yours and mine as well. The redeemed in Christ will sing his praise for all eternity.

 

Prayer Father, we praise you with all our hearts!

One Word His name alone is exalted