Psalm 148 Part 1

This anthem calls upon all creation to praise Yahweh. What a wonderful song this is! Look over it again, and note the fact that there is no reference in it, from first to last, to the lovingkindness, pity, or compassion of God. But that is because there is no reference to evil in any form either. One of the great threads that run through scripture is that humanity’s sin subjected the creation to ‘vanity’, so God’s redemption shall be our glorifying of Him. This call to all creation to praise Yahweh is not an empty wish. Rev.5:11-13 tells us specifically that it will be fulfilled. O what a hymn of praise is here! It is a universal chorus! All created nature has a share, and all perform their respective parts.

In the first 6 verses of the psalm, all of heaven is carrying the melody in this mighty anthem. In the remaining verses, the music is passed down to the earth and its inhabitants, so that we all might have our turn in singing God’s praises. The psalmist considered that all heavenly beings and bodies metaphorically give praise to Yahweh. The God of Israel was not a local deity who only expected honour from Israel. He was and is God over all, and as such deserves such praise in the heights. Psalm.19 told us that the heavens declare the glory of God by their very nature and being. Here the psalmist addresses the heavens. The psalmist called upon all angelic beings to give God praise. This is the constant occupation of the living creatures surrounding God’s throne (Rev.4:8). The company of faithful angels is like a great army (‘all His hosts’).

Heavenly bodies should also praise God, shining in their radiance for His honour and moving according to His direction. The idea of creation praising God is found in many places in Scripture (e.g.Ps.98:7-8 and Isa.55:12). This is the only place where specifically it is said that the sun and moon and the stars should praise Him. This is the imagery of poetry! At the cross, the sun went dark for 3 hours. The Passover was a full moon festival – no eclipse was possible!