Berean Standard Bible · Public domain

Psalm 148

Israel’s prayers give language for praise, grief, repentance, and trust. Poetry uses imagery and parallel lines; each psalm should be read as a whole rather than as a detached promise.

Historical context & book outline

1Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the highest places.

2Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.

3Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.

4Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.

5Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created.

6He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away.

7Praise the LORD from the earth, all great sea creatures and ocean depths,

8lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word,

9mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,

10wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds,

11kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth,

12young men and maidens, old and young together.

13Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

14He has raised up a horn for His people, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, a people near to Him. Hallelujah!

Read closely

  1. What repeated words, contrasts, or actions stand out in this chapter?
  2. How does this chapter fit the surrounding chapters and the book’s purpose?
  3. What did it communicate to its first hearers, before applying it to your life?