Psalm 148

Authorship

This Psalm is anonymous.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. Praise in heaven. (1-4)

A. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens.

B. Praise Him in the heights.

C. Praise ye Him, all His angels.

D. Praise ye Him, all His hosts.

E. Praise ye Him, sun, moon, and stars of light.

F. Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens and ye waters that be above the heavens.

II. The reason for praise in heaven. (5-6)

A. He commanded, and they were created.

B. He hath also stablished them for ever and ever.

C. He hath made a decree which shall not pass.

III. Praise on earth. (7-12)

A. Praise in the elements.

1. Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons and all deeps.

2. Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling His Word.

B. Praise in all creation.

1. Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars.

2. Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl.

C. Praise in all levels of society.

1. Kings of the earth.

2. All people.

3. Princes.

4. Earthly judges.

5. Young men.

6. Maidens.

7. Old men.

8. Children.

IV. The reasons for praise on earth. (13-14)

A. His name alone is excellent.

B. His glory is above the earth and heaven.

C. He also exalteth the horn of His people:

1. The praise of all His saints.

2. Even of the children of Israel, a people near unto Him.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 148,14 הַלְלוּ־יָהּ {B}