Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 148
Verses 1-14
PSALM 148
Ps 148:1-14. The scope of this Psalm is the same as that of the preceding.
1. heavens [and] heights—are synonymous.
Verses 2
2. hosts—(compare Ps 103:21).
Verses 3-4
4. heavens of heavens—the very highest.
waters—clouds, resting above the visible heavens (compare Ge 1:7).
Verses 5
5. praise the name—as representing His perfections.
he commanded—"He" is emphatic, ascribing creation to God alone.
Verses 6
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 (Jer 36:31), or perish (Job 34:20; Ps 37:36).
Verses 7
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 Ps 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
Verses 8
8. fulfilling his word—or, law, may be understood of each. Next the most distinguished productions of the vegetable world.
Verses 9
9. fruitful trees—or, "trees of fruit," as opposed to forest trees. Wild and domestic, large and small animals are comprehended.
Verses 10-11
11, 12. Next all rational beings, from the highest in rank to little children.
princes—or, military leaders.
Verses 12-13
13. Let them—all mentioned.
excellent—or, exalted (Isa 12:4).
his glory—majesty (Ps 45:3).
above the earth and heaven—Their united splendors fail to match His.
Verses 14
14. exalteth the horn—established power (Ps 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.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.