The second half of Psalm 148 calls for praise ‘from the earth’, listing sea creatures, all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds, mountains, hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, along with kings, princes, rulers, young men and women, old men and children (Ps 148:7-12) – a selective list that is clearly intended to be all-inclusive!
Again, both animate and inanimate objects are included in the list: there literally is nothing on earth which is not commanded to praise God. Michael Wilcock says, “The picture’s grandeur, its comprehensiveness, is highlighted by the repeated all – all angels, all stars, all depths, all hills, all cattle, all nations. Even all rulers! Everything and everyone, from the angels of God to the most powerful and godless of men, are to recognise the supremacy of Israel’s Lord – the one who has made himself known to those alone, ‘the people close to his heart.’” (Commentary on Psalms 73-150, P 281)
Reasons are again given for this command. First and foremost, we are called to praise God ‘for His name alone is exalted.’ (Ps 148:13) His splendour and majesty deserve praise. We praise God primarily for who He is, for His character and nature which are so utterly holy, loving and merciful. Secondly, however, we are called to praise God for what He has done for His people: ‘He has raised up a horn’ (Ps 148:14). God’s strength and power are shown in so many different ways, not least in providing for us ‘a horn of salvation’ (Luke 1:69) in Jesus Christ. Our God is near to us (see Deut 4:7, Phil 4:5), caring for us each moment of each day. There are so many reasons to praise Him!