Psalms 148 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
1Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
PSALM 148
Psa 148:1-14. The scope of this Psalm is the same as that of the preceding.
1. heavens [and] heights--are synonymous.
2Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
2. hosts--(compare Psa 103:21).
3Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
4Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
4. heavens of heavens--the very highest.
waters--clouds, resting above the visible heavens (compare Ge 1:7).
5Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.
5. praise the name--as representing His perfections.
he commanded--"He" is emphatic, ascribing creation to God alone.
6He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
6. The perpetuity of the frame of nature is, of course, subject to Him who formed it.
a decree ... pass--His ordinances respecting them shall not change (Jr 36:31), or perish (Job 34:20; Psa 37:36).
7Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psa 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
8Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psa 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
9Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psa 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
10Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psa 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
11Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
11-12. Next all rational beings, from the highest in rank to little children.
princes--or, military leaders.
12Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
11-12. Next all rational beings, from the highest in rank to little children.
princes--or, military leaders.
13Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
13. Let them--all mentioned.
excellent--or, exalted (Is 12:4).
his glory--majesty (Psa 45:3).
above the earth and heaven--Their united splendors fail to match His.
14He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.
14. exalteth the horn--established power (Psa 75:5, 6).
praise of--or literally, "for"
his saints--that is, occasions for them to praise Him. They are further described as "His people," and "near unto Him," sustaining by covenanted care a peculiarly intimate relation.