Psalm 148:
"Since nothing in heaven above or on earth below is left out in this praise psalm, it may appropriately be designated as the psalm of universal praise.
Then the psalmist issues a second call to praise addressed to the earthly beings and earthly substances (verses 7-12), because of the glory of the Lord and of His people (verses 13-14).
Both young men, and maidens;
old men, and children:
Let them praise the name of the LORD:
for his name alone is excellent;
his glory is above the earth and heaven.
vs.12,13
Its structure is quite distinct:
there are two calls to praise, each ending with a cause for praise.
The psalmist first calls on the heavenly beings and the heavenly bodies to praise the Lord (verses 1-4), because of His creative power (verses 5-6). Then the psalmist issues a second call to praise addressed to the earthly beings and earthly substances (verses 7-12), because of the glory of the Lord and of His people (verses 13-14).
It is a song of nature and of grace.
As a flash of lightning flames through space, and enwraps both heaven and earth in one vestment of glory, so doth the adoration of the Lord in this Psalm light up all the universe, and cause it to glow with a radiance of praise.
There is a connection between the creation praising God and His involvement with Israel.
I. Heaven’s Praise (148:1-6).
Praise ye him, all his angels:...Praise ye him, sun and moon: vs.2,3
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. vs.5
Praise the LORD from the earth,... vs.7
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapor;...Beasts,..Both young men, and maidens; vs.8,10,12
Let all manner of persons praise God.
(1.) Those of each rank, high and low.
(2.) Those of each gender, young men and maidens.
( 3.) Those of each age."
Let them praise the name of the LORD:
for he commanded, and they were created.
vs.5
BooksOfTheBible/MatthewHenry/CharlesSpurgeon
A. Who? (148:1-4);
B. Why? (148:5-6).
II. Earth’s Praise (148:7-14).
A. Who? (148:7-12);
B. Why? (148:13-14).
...for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. vs.13
This psalm is a most solemn and earnest call to all the creatures, according to their capacity, to praise their Creator, and to show forth his eternal power and Godhead, the invisible things of which are manifested in the things that are seen.
The universe praises God because He spoke it into being (148:5).
In return, they praise Him.