Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 148:7-14

"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.