Psalms Chapter 148 in Simple English

Updated on October 1, 2026

Read Psalms Chapter 148

1Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens. Praise him in the heights.

2Praise him, all his angels. Praise him, all his hosts.

3Praise him, sun and moon. Praise him, all you shining stars.

4Praise him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters that are above the heavens.

5Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded, and they were created.

6He has also set them in place for ever and ever. He made a decree which will not pass away.

7Praise the LORD from the earth, you dragons and all deeps,

8fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind that obeys his word,

9mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,

10wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds,

11kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth,

12young men and young women too, old men and children.

13Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is excellent. His glory is above the earth and heaven.

14He also lifts up the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints, even of the children of Israel, a people close to him. Praise the LORD.

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Explanation

Psalms 148

In short

This psalm calls every creature in heaven and earth to praise God. The whole creation, from angels and stars to animals and people, is summoned to recognize God's power and excellence.

Context

Psalm 148 stands near the end of the book of Psalms. It is a call to worship, spoken as a direct command to all of creation. The psalm has no named speaker addressing another person; rather, it addresses creation itself, telling it to praise the LORD.

What the text says

The psalm opens with "Praise ye the LORD" repeated twice. Then it names heavenly things that must praise him: angels and hosts in verse 2, sun and moon and stars in verse 3, and the heights of heaven itself in verse 4. Verses 5 and 6 give the reason: God created all these things by his command and established them to last forever.

The second half shifts to earth. Verses 7 to 10 list earthly creatures: dragons and ocean depths, fire and weather, mountains and trees, wild beasts and cattle, creeping things and birds. Verses 11 and 12 add human rulers and people of every age, from children to the elderly.

Verses 13 and 14 return to the reason for praise. God's name alone is excellent; his glory stands above both earth and heaven. The final lines note that God has exalted "the horn of his people," his saints and Israel, who are near to him.

Takeaways

All creation, not just humans, is called to recognize God's power and greatness.
God made everything and established its order, which gives him the right to receive praise.
The psalm moves from heaven to earth to show that praise belongs to God throughout the whole universe.

Psalms 148 - Simple English