The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 148
In brief
Psalm 148 is a universal call to praise. It speaks first to the heavens: angels, sun, moon and stars. Then it comes down to earth: sea monsters, storms, mountains, trees, animals, kings, peoples, young and old. The reason for this praise is the same everywhere: God commanded and everything was created, and his name alone is exalted. He has raised up the strength of his people.
The chapter in 3 parts
1Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh from the heavens! Praise him in the heights!
2Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all his army!
3Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you shining stars!
4Praise him, you heavens of heavens, you waters that are above the heavens.
5Let them praise Yahweh’s name, for he commanded, and they were created.
6He has also established them forever and ever. He has made a decree which will not pass away.
7Praise Yahweh from the earth, you great sea creatures, and all depths;
8lightning and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling his word;
9mountains and all hills; fruit trees and all cedars;
10wild animals and all livestock; small creatures and flying birds;
11kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth;
12both young men and maidens; old men and children:
13let them praise Yahweh’s name, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens.
14He has lifted up the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints, even of the children of Israel, a people near to him. Praise Yah!
Key verses
Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh from the heavens! Praise him in the heights!
The psalm begins with the command to praise, first from the heights of heaven. It is one of the five psalms of praise that close the book of Psalms.
Let them praise Yahweh’s name, for he commanded, and they were created.
The reason for praise is given: God commanded and everything was created. Creation praises its Creator by its very existence.
both young men and maidens; old men and children:
Praise brings together all generations: young men and young women, old men and children. No one is excluded from this call.
let them praise Yahweh’s name, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens.
God's name alone is exalted and his majesty is above earth and heaven. This is the foundation of all worship.
He has lifted up the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints, even of the children of Israel, a people near to him. Praise Yah!
God has raised up the strength of his people, which becomes a reason for praise for all his faithful. The psalm ends as it began.
Bible verses to meditate on
Test your knowledge
What the sermons say
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 148
What does Psalm 148 mean?
It is an invitation to praise addressed to all creation: heaven, earth, living creatures and humans of every age and rank. The psalm affirms that God deserves this praise because he created all things by his word and his name is above all.
Who wrote Psalm 148?
The text names no author. It is one of the psalms of praise that close the collection, from Psalm 146 to Psalm 150, all of them opened and closed by the call to praise the LORD. Scholars think it was composed for the worship of the people after the exile, with no consensus on the date.
How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 148?
Read it aloud, outdoors if possible, looking at the sky, the trees or the animals. For each element mentioned, thank God for what he has created. Then join the praise yourself by reading verses 12 to 14, thinking of the people of every generation around you.
Articles quoting Psalm 148
World English Bible translation — public domain.