Psalm 148

The Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C

May 11, 2025

Let Everything Praise

Psalm 148

Opening Reflection

Sometimes we forget that the whole world is worshiping.
Not just in pews, but in waves.
Not just with choirs, but with creatures.

This psalm invites us to hear the universe singing.
Mountains and stars.
Sea monsters and fruit trees.
Rulers and refugees.
Elders and children.

Every voice matters.
Every note belongs.

And together, they rise, not in perfect harmony, but in honest response to the One who gives breath to all.

This isn’t a call to perform.
It’s an invitation to join what’s already happening:

The earth is praising.
Will we?

Context

Literary Setting: Psalm 148 is part of the final five psalms (146–150), each beginning and ending with “Hallelujah!” It builds a cosmic crescendo, calling all of creation into praise.
Historical Setting: Likely composed in post-exilic Israel, the psalm speaks to a people rediscovering hope and belonging. Even after exile, the invitation is clear: the world is still praising. So are we.
Theological Frame: This is not sentimental praise, it’s resurrection praise. The psalm doesn’t avoid pain, it responds to grace. Praise becomes resistance, celebration, and restoration.

Read the Passage

Psalm 148 (NLT)
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens!
Praise him from the skies!
2 Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him, all the armies of heaven!
3 Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
4 Praise him, skies above!
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
5 Let every created thing give praise to the Lord,
for he issued his command, and they came into being.
6 He set them in place forever and ever.
His decree will never be revoked.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you creatures of the ocean depths,
8 fire and hail, snow and clouds,
wind and weather that obey him,
9 mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all livestock,
small scurrying animals and birds,
11 kings of the earth and all people,
rulers and judges of the earth,
12 young men and young women,
old men and children.
13 Let them all praise the name of the Lord.
For his name is very great;
his glory towers over the earth and heaven!
14 He has made his people strong,
honoring his faithful ones—
the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!

Key Insights

Creation Is Already Praising: This psalm doesn’t command praise, it assumes it. The universe is already worshiping, not with words, but with existence. Stars shine. Trees bear fruit. Waves crash. This is their hallelujah.
Praise Is for Everyone: There are no exclusions in this song. Kings and kids. Judges and animals. All are named. No voice is too high or too low to be heard in this chorus.
Praise Is Grounded in Belonging: The final verse roots praise in relationship. “He has raised up a horn for his people.” Strength, honor, closeness. We praise not to earn love, but because we are already held by it.