Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens. Let them praiseThe phrase "Let them praise" is an invitation and a command to all creation to worship God. The Hebrew root for "praise" is "הלל" (halal), which means to boast or to shine. This word is the root of "Hallelujah," a term of exuberant praise. The psalmist calls for a universal acknowledgment of God's greatness, emphasizing that praise is not just a human activity but a cosmic one, involving all of creation. the name of the LORD
In Hebrew, "the name" (שֵׁם, shem) signifies more than just a label; it represents the character and essence of a person. "The LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, revealing His eternal, self-existent nature. This name is sacred and revered, encapsulating God's attributes of holiness, love, and justice. The call to praise His name is a call to recognize and honor His divine nature and His relationship with His people. for His name alone is exalted
The word "alone" underscores the exclusivity and supremacy of God's name. In a world filled with idols and false gods, the psalmist declares that only Yahweh's name is truly "exalted" (נִשְׂגָּב, nisgav), meaning lifted high or set apart. This elevation of God's name above all others is a central theme in Scripture, affirming His unmatched sovereignty and glory. His splendor
"Splendor" (הוֹד, hod) refers to majesty, beauty, and glory. It is a term often used to describe the visible manifestation of God's presence. In the context of ancient Israel, God's splendor was seen in the cloud and fire that led the Israelites, in the beauty of the temple, and in the natural world. This splendor is a reflection of His divine nature and is worthy of awe and reverence. is above the earth and the heavens
This phrase emphasizes the transcendence of God. "Above the earth and the heavens" indicates that God's glory surpasses all creation. The "earth" (אֶרֶץ, erets) and the "heavens" (שָׁמַיִם, shamayim) represent the totality of the created order. By stating that God's splendor is above both, the psalmist highlights that God's majesty is not confined to the physical universe but extends beyond it, affirming His omnipresence and omnipotence. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, representing the God of Israel, whose name is to be praised and exalted above all. 2. The Earth and the HeavensThese are the realms over which God's splendor is declared to be supreme, emphasizing His sovereignty and majesty over all creation. Teaching Points The Uniqueness of God's NameGod's name is not just a label but a representation of His character and authority. In a world with many competing ideologies and deities, Christians are called to recognize and proclaim the uniqueness of the LORD's name. The Call to Universal PraiseThis verse is a call for all creation to acknowledge God's supremacy. Believers are encouraged to join in this universal chorus, recognizing that worship is not limited to a specific time or place but is a continual act of acknowledging God's greatness. God's Sovereignty Over CreationThe mention of God's splendor being above the earth and heavens serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority and control over all things. This should bring comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that their lives are in the hands of a sovereign God. Exalting God in Daily LifeExalting God's name is not limited to verbal praise but is also demonstrated through our actions and decisions. Christians are encouraged to reflect God's character in their daily lives, thereby exalting His name through their conduct. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the meaning of God's name enhance your worship and relationship with Him? 2. In what ways can you join the universal call to praise God in your daily life? 3. How does recognizing God's sovereignty over the earth and heavens impact your perspective on current world events? 4. What are some practical ways you can exalt God's name in your community or workplace? 5. How do other scriptures that speak of God's exaltation and glory deepen your understanding of Psalm 148:13? Connections to Other Scriptures Philippians 2:9-11This passage speaks of God exalting Jesus and giving Him the name above every name, which parallels the exaltation of God's name in Psalm 148:13. Isaiah 42:8God declares His name and glory, emphasizing that He will not share His glory with another, reinforcing the exclusivity of His exaltation. Revelation 5:13All creation praises God and the Lamb, echoing the call for universal praise found in Psalm 148. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Alone, Exalted, Excellent, Glory, Heaven, Heavens, Honour, Kingdom, Majesty, Praise, Praised, SplendorDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 148:13 1145 God, transcendent
4006 creation, origin
8665 praise, reasons Psalm 148:11-13 8624 worship, reasons 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 148:13 NIVPsalm 148:13 NLTPsalm 148:13 ESVPsalm 148:13 NASBPsalm 148:13 KJV
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