We live in a dark and troubled world, so we know very little about the world of light and glory above us. Because our understanding is limited, we can hardly imagine the greatness of heaven. But we do know this: there is a world above us filled with countless angels who serve and worship God. [1]
In Colossians 3:1-2, it is written, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
The Psalmist urges the angels, “all His hosts” to praise the Lord. In Luke 2:13, a multitude of angels praising God is referred to as a heavenly host.
Hebrews 12:22 states that “the heavenly Jerusalem,” has “an innumerable company of angels.”
The word “angel” is a Hebrew word that can refer to a heavenly being or to an earthly messenger. When we glorify God, we participate in the joy of angels.
Spiritual heaven has angelic beings. Earthly “heaven” has sun, moon, and stars. They bring God glory. They are also beneficial to us.
“Praise Him, sun, and moon! Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:3
The sun, moon, and stars give us a glimpse of the glory of God, who is “the Father of lights.” [2]
Idolaters worshiped the sun, moon, and stars as gods. They worshiped the creation instead of the Creator because the creation could be seen while God could not. But we worship the true God. We look at the sun, moon, and stars as fellow witnesses to God’s greatness, and we call upon them to praise Him with us. [3]
“Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens!” Psalm 148:4
Psalms 68:33 testifies of God riding on “the heaven of heavens,” from which God speaks.
“The waters that are above the heavens,” likely refer to the clouds in the sky. Praise God for the waters from heaven that water the earth and make it fruitful. [4]
The Chaldee paraphrase of this verse says, “Praise him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters that depend on the Word of Him who is above the heavens.” God controls the clouds. He opens them, and no one can shut them. He shuts them, and no one can open them. [5]
“Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for He commanded, and they were created.” Psalm 148:5
We should praise the specific Name of the Lord: “Yahweh,” or “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” or “Jesus Christ” for our blessings. There is only one God who is Creator, Redeemer and Holy Spirit.
“He also established them forever and ever. He made a decree which shall not pass away.” Psalm 148:6
God commanded the sun, moon, stars, heavens and water above the heavens into existence. His decree guarantees their duration. [6] When they suffer harm, God is able to heal them.
“Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all the depths. Psalm 147:7
The sea creatures bring God glory. They have unique features and abilities which teach us something about God and about ourselves. God is hidden in them treasures of knowledge and wisdom. They are amazing to behold!
God is praised even in the deepest places, just as people can pray to Him from the depths. [7]
“Fire and hail, snow, and clouds! Stormy wind, fulfilling His Word!” Psalm 147:8
In Job 38:22-23, God said to Job, “Have you entered the treasury of snow, or have you seen the treasury of hail, which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?”
When we look into the sky, we see various signs. There are watery signs, such as hail, snow, and the clouds from which they come. There is lightning. There are powerful winds. These signs reveal to us the majesty and power of God Almighty. [8]
We do not always know where the winds come from, where they go, or exactly how they gain and lose their strength. But we do know that they obey God’s commands. Christ demonstrated His divine power when He commanded the winds and the sea, and they obeyed Him. [9]
“Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars!” Psalm 147:9
In the Bible, Jesus speaks of mountains metaphorically as an obstacle to overcome. He speaks of hills as being visible places from which we can shine for God. He speaks of fruitful trees as people who are abiding in His Word and drinking from Him as their source of life. He speaks of cedars as being people who are strong and noble. The Bible uses these things to praise the Lord.
“Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying fowl!” Psalm 147:10
God is glorified by wild and domestic animals. Even the smallest crawling creatures and the birds that fly high in the sky praise the Lord. We see God’s goodness in the abilities and instincts He has given to each creature. We also see His goodness in the way He provides for them and in the purposes for which He created them. [10]
“Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth, both young men and maidens, old men and children!” Psalm 148:11-12
Kings, princes, judges, young and old should praise the Lord. God established human society. Kings rule because God allows them to rule. Princes and judges receive their wisdom and authority from Him. Thanks be to God for rulers and servants who are a blessing to us! [11]
Everyone should praise God. The rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak, should praise God. Those whom God has given positions of honor should honor God. [12]
Young men and young women should praise God. Instead of spending their time, treasure and talent on selfish entertainment and pleasure, their souls should magnify the Lord. [13]
Older people should use their last earthly days to glorify God. Older people can pray the words of Psalm 71:18: “Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.”
Children should praise the Lord. Psalm 8:2 says, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants, You have ordained strength because of Your enemies.” [14] In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them. For of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for His Name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and heaven.” Psalm 148:13
The Name of the Lord is excellent and worthy of praise. His Name is above every other name. His glory is greater than anyone or anything else’s. He should receive our loudest praise.
“And He has exalted the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints—of the children of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 148:14
We, God’s people, have received the greatest blessings of all, which is to know and love Him.
Some understand “the horn of His people” to refer to David, who was a picture of Christ. God exalted David as king, and ultimately Christ was exalted as “a prince and a Savior.” Through Christ, those who were once far from God are brought near to Him. [15]
The people of Israel were honored by God to be adopted by Him as His own special people, to be delivered from tribulations by Him, to receive His Word, and to radiate His glory. Through the people of Israel, God gave to the world Messiah. In Christ, we are brought near to God. The closer we are to God, the greater the blessing. The greatest blessing is to be with Him forever.
[1-15] Material developed and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
No comments:
Post a Comment