I’m starting poetry Wednesdays with this Psalm for a few reasons.
First, it’s about all creation (even animals and objects) praising God, which I thought makes sense, since tomorrow we will cover the creation.
And second, it’s just awesome.
Why it is important
It’s the classic psalm. Most of the poems we will cover this year are quoted in the New Testament or have some kind of secondary meaning. But this just a beautiful piece of poetry, plain and simple.
You may recognize the wording from a few songs we sing.
- “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” (aka “Psalm 148”) quotes it exactly or closely throughout the song.
- “Praise the LORD” (“ye heavens adore him…”) uses it for the first verse
What it is about
A call to praise God. I know, you’re thinking, “They’re ALL about that.” Actually, no, not really. Often psalms describe God or are a wailing of the author (often David). But this one is exactly what you expect.
The text in King James Version
Because poems always sound way better in KJV.
(1) Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
(2) Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
(3) Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
(4) Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
(5) Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.
(6) He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
(7) Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
(8) Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
(9) Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
(10) Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
(11) Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
(12) Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
(13) Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
(14) He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.
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