Psalm 148 records the universe’s symphony of praise. 13 times the word is used in its 14 verses. Verses 1-6 call the heavens to initiate Yahweh’s praise (1). From the armies of angels (2) to sun, moon, stars & clouds, praise should ring. Why? Because Yahweh commanded their existence (5) and established them forever to be testimonies to their Creator (6). Verses 7-12 record the antiphonal response from earth’s animate and inanimate world. They praise Yahweh by their mere existence, too, for thereby they are “fulfilling his word” (8b). IOW, they do what they were created to do, and I am called to do the same.
From inanimate objects to animate animals unconscious of God, the call goes out to “Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth” (11), to young and old alike, males & females (12). No one is exempt from praising their Creator. Why should people Yahweh created praise him? Because his majestic name (character, nature, being), and ONLY his name, is exalted “above earth & heaven” (13).
Finally, the focus narrows down from people in general to God’s people in particular as another source of praise but also as a special reason for praise (14). That Yahweh “raised up a horn for his people” could mean that praise is what makes God’s people strong, OR it could mean that Yahweh raised up a strong deliverer for his people (as in Luke 1:69). Today, God’s chosen people are his saints (those specially set apart as belonging to God), the true “people of Israel” (Jews & Gentiles alike), who have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). Jesus Christ is the best & greatest reason God’s people have for praise. HE IS MY PRAISE and the One who keeps me strong BY MY PRAISE of Him. It’s only because of His mercy & grace that I can be close to God and have direct access to God (Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:18). That’s why I’m going to keep on praising God – Father, Son & Holy Spirit – today and every day.
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