Praise the LORD from the earth, all great sea creatures and ocean depths, Praise the LORDThe phrase "Praise the LORD" is a call to worship and adoration directed towards Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew word for "praise" is "halal," which means to boast or to glorify. This imperative is not just a suggestion but a command, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and majesty. In the context of the Psalms, this call to praise is a recurring theme, urging all creation to acknowledge the Creator's greatness. from the earth
The phrase "from the earth" indicates the source or origin of the praise. It suggests that the call to worship is not limited to the heavens but extends to the terrestrial realm. This inclusion of the earth highlights the universality of God's dominion and the comprehensive nature of His creation. The earth, in its entirety, is summoned to join in the chorus of praise, reflecting the biblical theme that all creation is designed to glorify God. you great sea creatures
The term "great sea creatures" refers to the large and often mysterious inhabitants of the ocean. In Hebrew, the word "tannin" can denote sea monsters or large marine animals, such as whales or leviathans. These creatures, often seen as symbols of chaos and power in ancient Near Eastern mythology, are here depicted as part of God's creation, subject to His authority and called to praise Him. This reflects the biblical narrative that even the most formidable aspects of creation are under God's control and serve His purposes. and all ocean depths
The phrase "and all ocean depths" encompasses the vast and unexplored regions of the sea. The Hebrew word "tehom" refers to the deep or abyss, often associated with the primordial waters in biblical cosmology. By including the ocean depths in this call to praise, the psalmist emphasizes that there is no part of creation, no matter how remote or mysterious, that is beyond the reach of God's presence and glory. This serves as a reminder of God's omnipresence and the all-encompassing nature of His creative power. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure of worship in this Psalm, Yahweh is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. 2. Great Sea CreaturesThese refer to the large and mighty creatures of the sea, such as whales and leviathans, which are often seen as symbols of God's creative power and majesty. 3. Ocean DepthsThis term encompasses the vast and mysterious parts of the ocean, representing the unknown and the powerful forces of nature that are under God's command. Teaching Points Universal Call to WorshipAll of creation, including the most powerful and mysterious parts, is called to praise God. This reminds us that worship is not limited to humans but is a cosmic activity. God's Sovereignty Over CreationThe mention of sea creatures and ocean depths underscores God's dominion over the natural world. We can trust in His control over the vast and unknown aspects of our lives. The Majesty of God's CreationObserving the grandeur of the sea and its creatures can lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's creative power and inspire us to worship Him more fully. Inclusion of All Creation in WorshipThis verse encourages us to see the value and purpose in all parts of creation, prompting us to care for the environment as stewards of God's handiwork. Bible Study Questions 1. How does recognizing the call for sea creatures and ocean depths to praise God expand your understanding of worship? 2. In what ways can acknowledging God's sovereignty over creation bring peace to areas of your life that feel chaotic or uncertain? 3. How can observing nature, such as the ocean and its creatures, enhance your personal worship and relationship with God? 4. What practical steps can you take to join in the universal call to worship God alongside all creation? 5. How does the inclusion of all creation in worship challenge or affirm your views on environmental stewardship and care for the earth? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 1The creation account where God creates the sea creatures, highlighting His sovereignty over all creation. Job 38-41God's discourse to Job, where He describes His control over the sea and its creatures, emphasizing His power and wisdom. Psalm 104A psalm that also praises God for His creation, including the sea and its inhabitants, showing the interconnectedness of all creation in worshiping God. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Creatures, Deep, Deeps, Depths, Dragons, Monsters, Ocean, Places, Praise, Sea-beasts, Sea-monstersDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 148:7 4017 life, animal and plant
4203 earth, the Psalm 148:7-8 4860 wind Psalm 148:7-10 4604 animals, nature of Psalm 148:7-11 7942 ministry Library That Worthy Name.
James ii:7. IN the second chapter of the Epistle of James the Holy Spirit speaks of our ever blessed Lord as "that worthy Name." Precious Word! precious to every heart that knows Him and delights to exalt His glorious and worthy Name. His Name is "far above every Name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." (Ephes. i:21.) It is "as ointment poured forth" (Song of Sol. i:3); yea, His Name alone is excellent (Psalm cxlviii:13). But according to His worth that blessed …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of GlorySexagesima Sunday Let them Praise the Name of the Lord for his Name Alone is Excellent; his Glory is Above the Earth and Heaven.
Let them praise the name of the Lord for His name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven. Keine Schönheit hat die Welt [66]Angelus. 1657. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Nothing fair on earth I see But I straightway think on Thee; Thou art fairest in mine eyes, Source in whom all beauty lies! When the golden sun forth goes, And the east before him glows, Quickly turns this heart of mine To Thy heavenly form divine. On Thy light I think at morn, With the earliest break …
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year Universal Worship. --Ps. cxlviii.
Universal Worship.--Ps. cxlviii. Heralds of creation! cry,-- Praise the Lord, the Lord most high! Heaven and earth! obey the call, Praise the Lord, the Lord of all. For He spake, and forth from night Sprang the universe to light: He commanded,--Nature heard, And stood fast upon his word. Praise Him, all ye hosts above, Spirits perfected in love; Sun and Moon! your voices raise, Sing, ye stars! your Maker's praise. Earth! from all thy depths below, Ocean's hallelujahs flow, Lightning, Vapour, …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Purposes of God.
In discussing this subject I shall endeavor to show, I. What I understand by the purposes of God. Purposes, in this discussion, I shall use as synonymous with design, intention. The purposes of God must be ultimate and proximate. That is, God has and must have an ultimate end. He must purpose to accomplish something by his works and providence, which he regards as a good in itself, or as valuable to himself, and to being in general. This I call his ultimate end. That God has such an end or purpose, …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology The Royal Marriage Feast.
PART I.--THE WEDDING GUESTS. "And Jesus answered, and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord The Fourth Commandment
Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it. Exod 20: 8-11. This …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds.
(Near Bethlehem, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 8-20. ^c 8 And there were shepherds in the same country [they were in the same fields from which David had been called to tend God's Israel, or flock] abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. [When the flock is too far from the village to lead it to the fold at night, these shepherds still so abide with it in the field, even in the dead of winter.] 9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them [He stood upon the earth at their side, and did …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 148:7 NIVPsalm 148:7 NLTPsalm 148:7 ESVPsalm 148:7 NASBPsalm 148:7 KJV
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