Psalm 148

Philip North

This is one of my favorite of the Psalms. When reading this psalm, it is not hard to tell that the wording was transformed into the well known hymn, "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah." In fact, while one is in the very process of reading this Psalm, it is easy to end up singing the hymn! I have been much attached to this hymn since a very young boy, but it was not until several years after learning the hymn that I became a curious lad, thus going to the Bible to read the Psalm.

A part of Strong's definition of "praise" in the Greek is "to celebrate." The really accentuated idea of praise is to give God the most respectful attention one can, and to accord Him the credit for all the great and good things ever done or that exist. He is our Creator, therefore, all praise should be given to Him!

In this Psalm, we find that both creatures of the flesh who cannot talk, along with inanimate objects, are called upon to praise Jehovah God. When such as this is commanded in God's own Word, then this means God deserves praise because of those things. This also means that if any fleshly creature not able to talk, along with those mentioned inanimate objects, are called upon to praise God, then how much more necessary is it for you and I to do so! We are creatures not only of the flesh, but also are the highest of intelligence of God's Creation. What is more, above and beyond all, you and I possess a soul that will live eternally somewhere after life on earth ceases to be.

I have heard it said that when a call is made for praising God, and no specific idea is mentioned, the phrase may be translated "Hallelujah." Perhaps many of us would be reluctant to often utter this word in the presence of others, due to the fact we hear it used often by our Pentecostal friends, along with others who are members of the Holiness religion. Howbeit, when we look all around us at the beautiful and magnificent works of God Almighty where the celestial and terrestrial are concerned, when we view the wondrous physical lives of all fleshly beings, and when we note the intangible things contained in this world such as the conscience, love, feelings, and emotions, then I believe it is high time for some to come out of their cocoon, stop being so inhibited, let a fellowman or two know (in a manner within reason) that they appreciate God's wonderful Creation, and hence, praise God.

Here is Psalm 148: "Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire, and hail: snow, and vapours; stormy winds fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle: creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth; and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. 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."

Now gentle reader, I for one did not see one, single, solitary thing or being left out in needing to render praise to God. The Psalm says, "for he commanded, and they were all created." Nothing or nobody has ever existed on this earth past, present, or if there be a future, but what God did not bring to pass! All of Creation is to praise the Lord, because all of Creation came from the Lord.

So many other of the Bible Psalms mention praise to God, many by King David. Get off somewhere alone. Put some emotion in you. Well up inside. Fold your hands. Look up to the sky. Get the look of love in your eyes. Thank the good and wonderful Lord for all He has done in providing for your survival and enjoyment. Mean it with all your heart when thanking Him, as you would not be alive this very second, were it not for God. Have a grateful heart towards your Supreme Maker! Get to know Him more and more, for He surely knows you. He’ll love you greatly for your attitude. Praise the Lord!