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Psalm 148

Psalm 148 summons all creation to praise its Creator, then closes with his care for the people near to him.

The psalmist calls on the heavens and everything in them to praise YHWH, then turns to the earth and its creatures. Angels and stars, storm winds and trees, rulers and children all receive the same summons. God created the heavenly host by his command, and his glory stands above heaven and earth. The closing verse turns to Israel, the people near to him, whose strength he has raised. The author and occasion are unknown.

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1Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens! Praise him in the heights!
2Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all his army!
3Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you shining stars!
4Praise him, you heavens of heavens, you waters that are above the heavens.
5Let them praise the LORD’s name, for he commanded, and they were created.
6He has also established them forever and ever. He has made a decree which will not pass away.
7Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures, and all depths,
8lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy wind, fulfilling his word,
9mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,
10wild animals and all livestock, small creatures and flying birds,
11kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth,
12both young men and maidens, old men and children.
13Let them praise the LORD’s name, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens.
14He has lifted up the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints, even of the children of Israel, a people near to him. Praise the LORD!
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Key verses
Psalm 148:3The sun, moon, and stars join the summons to praise, taking their place among the creatures under God's command.
Psalm 148:13This verse states the reason for creation's praise: YHWH’s name alone is exalted above everything he has made.
Psalm 148:14The closing verse brings the cosmic hymn to Israel, linking God's supremacy with the strength he gives his people.
Where this chapter reaches

Genesis shares the account of creation by God's command and the waters above the heavens; Job also portrays the weather under God's rule. Deuteronomy shares the theme of Israel's nearness to God, while Revelation depicts heavenly beings and earthly creatures praising him.

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Notice

After reading the whole chapter

Which creature or group in this summons draws your attention, and what does its presence add?

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How does the closing description of Israel as a people near to God shape your reading of the praise?

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Questions people ask about Psalm 148

What does “the horn of his people” mean in Psalm 148:14?

A horn is an image of strength and honor, drawn from the horns of an animal. Here, God has raised the strength of his people, Israel. The verse connects that act with their praise and nearness to him, without naming a particular ruler or historical event.

How can the sun, moon, and stars praise God in Psalm 148?

The psalm uses poetic address, calling on parts of creation as though they could hear and respond. Verses 5–6 ground their praise in God's command, which created and established them. Their existence and order display his greatness. The poem does not explain this praise as human speech.

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What the Bible says about worship →What the Bible says about gratitude →

Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).