Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 148:1

Whole Psalm.

1. What is implied in the invitation to the natural creation to praise God. a) That praise is due to God on its account. b) That it is due from those for whose benefit it was created. c) That it is a reproof to those who do not praise God who are actually capable of it. "If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."

2. What is implied in the invitation to innocent beings to praise God. "Praise ye the Lord from the heavens. Praise ye him all his angels, praise ye him all his hosts": Ps 148:1-2. a) That they owe their creation in innocence to God. b) That they owe their preservation in innocence to him. c) That they owe the reward of their innocence to him.

3. What is implied in the invitation to fallen beings to praise God: "Kings of the earth and all people", etc.: Ps 148:11-13. a) That God is merciful and ready to forgive. "Not willing that any should perish", etc. They would not be called upon to praise God if they were irrecoverably lost. Our Lord would not when on earth accept praise from an evil spirit. b) That means of restoration from the fall are provided by God for men. Without this they would have no hope, and could offer no praise.

4. What is implied in the invitation to the redeemed to praise God: Ps 148:14. a) That God is their God. b) That all his perfections are engaged for their present and eternal welfare. —G.R.

Praise ye the Lord.

1. The Voice —of Scripture, of nature, of grace, of duty.

2. The Ear on which it rightly falls —of saints and sinners, old and young, healthy and sick. It falls on our ear.

3. The Time when it is heard. Now, ever, yet also at special times.

4. The Response which we will give. Let us now praise with heart, life, lip.