Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 148
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 148
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 148
"Praise ye Jehovah. Praise ye Jehovah from the heavens: Praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: Praise ye him, all his host. Praise ye him, sun and moon: Praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, And ye waters that are above the heavens. Let them praise the name of Jehovah; For he commanded, and they were created. He hath also established them for ever and ever: He hath made a decree which shall not pass away." — Psalms 148:1-6 (ASV)
We, in this dark and sinful world, know little of the heavenly world of light. But we know that there is a world of blessed angels above us. They are always praising God. Therefore, the psalmist shows his desire that God may be praised in the best manner. We also show that we have communion with spirits above, who are still praising him. The heavens, with all contained in them, declare the glory of God. They call on us, so that by word and deed, we glorify with them the Creator and Redeemer of the universe.
"Praise Jehovah from the earth, Ye sea-monsters, and all deeps. Fire and hail, snow and vapor; Stormy wind, fulfilling his word; Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying birds; Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and virgins; Old men and children: Let them praise the name of Jehovah; For his name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and the heavens. And he hath lifted up the horn of his people, The praise of all his saints; Even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye Jehovah. " — Psalms 148:7-14 (ASV)
Even in this world, dark and bad as it is, God is praised. The powers of nature, however strong or stormy they may be, do what God appoints them, and nothing more. Those who rebel against God's word show themselves to be more violent than even the stormy winds, yet they fulfill it. Consider the surface of the earth, mountains and all hills; from the barren tops of some, and the fruitful tops of others, we can find reason for praise.
Surely, creatures that possess the power of reason ought to devote themselves to praising God. Let all kinds of people praise God. Those of every rank, high and low. Let us show that we are His saints by praising His name continually.
He is not only our Creator but also our Redeemer, who made us a people near to Him. By “the Horn of His people,” we may understand Christ, whom God has exalted to be a Prince and a Savior, who is indeed the defense and the praise of all His saints, and will be so forever. In redemption, that unspeakable glory is displayed, which forms the source of all our hopes and joys.
May the Lord pardon us, and teach our hearts to love Him more and praise Him better.
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