The very nature of praise is based on appreciation, adoration, and admiration of a person or thing with words that express admiration. When linked with music, it becomes even more impactful on those who participate in singing praise. Some who may be bystanders and do not understand the reason for the praise can be prompted to stop and reflect on what merits such commendation in a hymn. Praise, when sung in hymns, can pass on a powerful message as it relates to our Lord Jesus Christ and His work and worth when it is from the heart.
This psalm is a universal chorus of praise that starts in heaven and comes down to earth. The last verse specifically concerns Israel. It refers to the return of God’s people to Him, to the place where He promised them a land of their own. That is really the reason for this all-encompassing voice of praise.
The first section of the psalm, then, is the call to praise in the heavens. The heights of heaven’s glory are beyond our experience or understanding¸, but it seems this call is to the archangel, and then the angels and all other hosts in heaven are called upon to praise the Lord openly. The starry heavens, the galaxies, the planets, the sun, and the moon – all these impersonal created things give praise by their reflection of Him who is light. The visible praise of His creation displays His wisdom, power, and glory. From the rain that falls from the lowest heaven and the formation of clouds over our heads, there is clear testimony to the Lord and His mighty creating and sustaining power and authority.
God is praised on earth, and all forms of teeming life in the depths of the sea to the heights of the mountains, from animals to all creatures great and small, are praising Him. Human beings, from princes in high positions to children, from old people to young people – all mankind is called to declare their praises to the Lord. All intelligent beings in heaven and earth should openly sing - “Praise the Lord!” The Hallelujah of God’s people today is always appropriate when they exalt our Lord, not just a response to the words of men.
We praise God for His creation, of which we are a part, and His choice of Israel as His chosen people on earth. In our praise to the Lord, we must remember that the Creator's glory is greater than His creation's glory. The glory of the Redeemer is greater than the glory of the redeemed. Each group mentioned in the psalm: the heavens, the earth, and the people, is unique and independent of the others. Yet all are joined in praise to the One they all have in common – the Great Creator, who became my Savior, “And all God’s fullness, dwelleth in Him.” PSALM 148 ALL GOD’S CREATION v.1-6. The heavens praise. “From the heavens… in the heights.” v.7-12. The earth praises. “From the earth…” v.13-14. God’s chosen people praise. “Both young… old”