PSALM 148
. The scope of this Psalm is the same as that of the
preceding.
1. heavens [and] heights—are
synonymous.
4. heavens of heavens—the very
highest.
waters—clouds, resting
above the visible heavens (compare ).
5. praise the name—as
representing His perfections.
he commanded—"He"
is emphatic, ascribing creation to God alone.
6. The perpetuity of the frame
of nature is, of course, subject to Him who formed it.
a decree . . . pass—His
ordinances respecting them shall not change (), or perish (Job 34:20;
Psalms 37:36).
7-10. The call on the earth, as
opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose
inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on
Psalms 148:10), is selected to
represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate
nature are introduced.
8. fulfilling his word—or,
law, may be understood of each. Next the most distinguished
productions of the vegetable world.
9. fruitful trees—or, "trees
of fruit," as opposed to forest trees. Wild and domestic, large
and small animals are comprehended.
7-10. The call on the earth, as
opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose
inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on
Psalms 148:10), is selected to
represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate
nature are introduced.
11, 12. Next all rational
beings, from the highest in rank to little children.
princes—or, military
leaders.
13. Let them—all mentioned.
excellent—or, exalted
(Isaiah 12:4).
his glory—majesty (Isaiah 12:4).
above the earth and
heaven—Their united splendors fail to match His.
14. exalteth the horn—established
power (Psalms 75:5; Psalms 75:6).
praise of—or literally,
"for"
his saints—that is,
occasions for them to praise Him. They are further described as "His
people," and "near unto Him," sustaining by covenanted
care a peculiarly intimate relation.
PSALM 148
. The scope of this Psalm is the same as that of the preceding.
1. heavens [and] heights—are synonymous.
2. hosts—(compare ).
4. heavens of heavens—the very highest.
waters—clouds, resting above the visible heavens (compare ).
5. praise the name—as representing His perfections.
he commanded—"He" is emphatic, ascribing creation to God alone.
6. The perpetuity of the frame of nature is, of course, subject to Him who formed it.
a decree . . . pass—His ordinances respecting them shall not change (), or perish (Job 34:20; Psalms 37:36).
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psalms 148:10), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
8. fulfilling his word—or, law, may be understood of each. Next the most distinguished productions of the vegetable world.
9. fruitful trees—or, "trees of fruit," as opposed to forest trees. Wild and domestic, large and small animals are comprehended.
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psalms 148:10), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
11, 12. Next all rational beings, from the highest in rank to little children.
princes—or, military leaders.
13. Let them—all mentioned.
excellent—or, exalted (Isaiah 12:4).
his glory—majesty (Isaiah 12:4).
above the earth and heaven—Their united splendors fail to match His.
14. exalteth the horn—established power (Psalms 75:5; Psalms 75:6).
praise of—or literally, "for"
his saints—that is, occasions for them to praise Him. They are further described as "His people," and "near unto Him," sustaining by covenanted care a peculiarly intimate relation.