The tribute of creation.
The psalmist writes in a very jubilant strain; his mood is that of exultation. The sunshine of prosperity is on his path, and consequently the spirit of sacred joy is in his heart, and words of praise upon his lips. He calls upon the whole universe to pay its tribute of praise to Jehovah. This includes—
I. THE HEAVENLY INTELLIGENCES. (Psalms 148:2.) It is in full accord with all that we read in both the Old and the New Testament that we think of the angels of God of every rank and order (Colossians 1:16) as uniting in the high offices of adoration and thanksgiving. They, with their loftier intelligence, their nearer access, and their larger experience of the Divine goodness, must have a deeper and fuller sense than we have of the greatness and excellency of God.
II. ALL INANIMATE CREATION. Things in heaven (Psalms 148:3, Psalms 148:4), and things on earth (Psalms 148:7-10). All these things were created by his power (Psalms 148:5), are sustained at his word (Psalms 148:6), are regulated and kept within their bounds by his laws (Psalms 148:6), discharge the varied offices he has given them to fulfill (Psalms 148:8), and thus they speak his praise. Even the fire and hail, which seem to be principally destructive, and even the stormy wind, which seems to be uncontrolled and capricious, do the Divine bidding and contribute their part in the service of nature.
III. ALL MANKIND. (Psalms 148:11, Psalms 148:12.)
IV. HIS REDEEMED ONES. (Psalms 148:14.) Israel had been humbled; its "horn" had been degraded to the very dust; it had lost its heritage; it had dwelt in a "strange land" of servitude, far from the house and the home of God. Now it had been restored. Jerusalem had been rebuilt; its walls again surrounded it; its worship had revived; the ransomed of the Lord had returned; it was once more a people "near" to Jehovah, gathering in his house, and realizing his near presence with them. Let Israel lift up its voice of praise above every other. We, too, are God's redeemed ones. From the bondage of sin we have been restored; we have been redeemed not with silver or gold, but "with the precious blood of Christ;" we have been brought out "into the glorious liberty of the children of God; ' we have been raised up to "sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6); we have such hopes in our heart as the psalmist sang not of; we are a people "near" in every sense to our God and Savior, having freest access to his presence and very dear to his heart. What praise should come from our lips, from our souls, from our lives!