Sabbath, October 5 – Psalms 148, 149
1. Who does the psalmist say established the law for creation? (Psalm 148:6)
2. What does it mean to sing “a new song” to the Lord? (Psalm 149:1)
3. In whom should Israel rejoice? (Psalm 149:2)
Commentary and Reflection:
“Ps. 148 is tire third of the Hallelujah psalms. Not only heavenly beings, but, poetically, the heavenly bodies themselves are invited to join in praising God. The psalmist extends the invitation to every living creature on earth and to inanimate nature. No one is left out of this universal call to ascribe praise to the Creator and Sustainer of all things.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 148)
“Heb. halelu-Yah, transliterated “hallelujah.” An expression that should be uttered with reverential and holy awe.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Psalm 146:1)
In Psalm 148, with beautiful words and poetic imagery, the psalmist invites all creation to praise the Lord. He calls both living beings and inanimate objects to praise Him. The stars are called to praise Him because they were created by His word: “He established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away” (verse 6). Here, it is noted that God’s purpose for His creation is eternal. His law cannot be broken without fatal consequences. Only the rebellious heart dares to do what the stars will not attempt.
Everything on earth and every human being, from the elderly to the children, must praise Him, “For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. And He has exalted the horn of His people” (verses 13, 14).
“Ps. 149 is the fourth of the Hallelujah psalms. The tone of the psalm is jubilant and joyful.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 149)
This psalm continues with a beautiful and poetic invitation to praise. It calls us to praise the Lord with a new song.
“God desires His saints to renew their spiritual experience day by day (see Luke 9:23; 2 Cor. 4:16). With each renewed consecration should come a new song. Inasmuch as God’s mercies are new to us every morning, our gratitude and thanksgiving should be new also.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Psalm 149:1)
The last portion of the psalm speaks about the final judgment. The final judgment brings destruction to the nations and their rulers, but this same judgment represents forgiveness and salvation for God’s people.
Let us lift our hearts with all creation in praise to the Creator.