Read Psalms 148 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 148 is a sweeping call for all creation to praise the LORD—first the heavens (angels, sun, moon, stars, and the highest skies), then the earth (sea depths, weather, mountains, trees, animals, and every people). It emphasizes that creation does not praise God because it feels like it, but because He commanded and it was created, and He established an ordered world under His authority. The psalm warns us away from a small, private religion: worship is not limited to a sanctuary, because God’s glory reaches higher than heaven and touches the whole earth. It also highlights God’s special care for His people: He “exalteth the horn” of His saints, drawing His covenant people near, not as spectators but as worshippers. The chapter’s purpose is simple and uncompromising: praise must be God-centered, universal, and rooted in who He is as Creator and King.
Psalms 148:1 - 148:14
1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that [be] above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.
6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.
14 He 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.