Psa 148 | JFB | STEP | 1. heavens [and] heights-- are synonymous.

‏ Psalms 148

PSALM 148

Psa 148:1-14. The scope of this Psalm is the same as that of the preceding.

1. heavens [and] heights--are synonymous.

2. hosts--(compare Psa 103:21).

4. heavens of heavens--the very highest.

waters--clouds, resting above the visible heavens (compare Ge 1:7).

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 (Jr 36:31), or perish (Job 34:20; Psa 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 Psa 104:26), 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 (Is 12:4).

his glory--majesty (Psa 45:3).

above the earth and heaven--Their united splendors fail to match His.

14. exalteth the horn--established power (Psa 75:5, 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.