Psalm - 148:5



5 Let them praise the name of Yahweh, For he commanded, and they were created.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Psalm 148:5.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
praise the name of the Lord. For he spoke, and they were made: he commanded, and they were created.
Let them give praise to the name of the Lord: for he gave the order, and they were made.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

Let them praise the name, etc. As he speaks of things wanting intelligence, he passes to the third person, from which we infer that his reason for having spoken in the second person hitherto, was to make a deeper impression upon men. And he asks no other praise than that which may teach us that the stars did not make themselves, nor the rains spring from chance; for notwithstanding the signal proofs we constantly have before our eyes of the divine power, we with shameful carelessness overlook the great author. He says emphatically -- for He Himself created, intimating that the world is not eternal, as wicked men conjecture, nor made by a concourse of atoms, but that this fair order of things which we see, suddenly sprang forth upon the commandment of God. And, speaking of the creation, he adds what is even more worthy of observation, that he gave that law to them which remains inviolable. For many, while they grant that the world was made by God, lapse from this into the senseless notion that now the order of nature stands of itself, and that God sits idle in the heavens. The Psalmist very properly insists, therefore, that the works of God above us in the heavens were not only made by him, but even now move forward at his disposal; and that not only was a secret power communicated to them at first, but while they go through their assigned parts, their operation and ministry to their various ends is dependent upon God.

Let them praise the name of the Lord - That is, Let them praise Yahweh himself - the name being often put for the person or thing referred to.
For he commanded, and they were created - He showed his great power by merely speaking, and they came at once into being. Compare Psalm 33:6, note; Psalm 33:9, note.

He commanded, and they were created - He spake the word expressive of the idea in his infinite mind; and they sprang into being according to that idea.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,.... Set forth the glory of the nature and perfections of God, and celebrate the praise of them; even all celestial creatures, the angels, the hosts of heaven, the sun, moon, and stars; the heavens, and the haven of heavens, and the waters above them; and that for the following reasons;
for he commanded, and they were created; they are all his creatures, and therefore should praise him: he is the "Father of spirits", of angelic spirits, as well as the spirits of men; and the "Father of lights", of all the luminaries of the heavens; and he has made the heavens themselves, and all their hosts, and the firmament dividing the waters above and below; and all this by an almighty "fiat", at a word of command; he spoke, and they came into being at once, Hebrews 12:9, James 1:17.

praise the name--as representing His perfections.
he commanded--"He" is emphatic, ascribing creation to God alone.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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