Psalms 148:10

KJV

Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

KJV (with Strong's)

Beasts {H2416}, and all cattle {H929}; creeping things {H7431}, and flying {H3671} fowl {H6833}:

Complete Jewish Bible

wild animals and all livestock, creeping reptiles, flying birds,

Berean Standard Bible

wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds,

American Standard Version

Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying birds;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 148:10 continues the Psalmist's grand, cosmic summons to praise, specifically extending the invitation to the entirety of the animal kingdom. By meticulously listing diverse categories—from wild "beasts" to domesticated "cattle," and from low-crawling "creeping things" to high-flying "fowl"—the verse emphasizes the comprehensive scope of God's creative dominion and the inherent obligation of all living creatures to acknowledge and glorify their Creator through their very existence. This inclusive call underscores the universal nature of divine praise, where every part of creation, by its design and function, silently but powerfully testifies to the wisdom, power, and glory of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 148 is a majestic hymn of praise, structured as a universal call to worship. It begins with a summons to the celestial realm, inviting the heavens, angels, sun, moon, and stars to praise the Lord ([Psalms 148:1-6](/psalms/148-1 "Psalm 148:1-6 - Call to Heavenly Praise")). The psalm then shifts its focus to the terrestrial sphere, calling upon the earth's natural phenomena—dragons, all deeps, fire, hail, snow, vapor, stormy wind, mountains, and hills, fruit trees, and all cedars—to join the chorus ([Psalms 148:7-9](/psalms/148-7 "Psalm 148:7-9 - Call to Earthly Elements")). Verse 10 specifically extends this invitation to the animal kingdom, meticulously categorizing creatures to ensure no part of the living world is excluded. This progression demonstrates a comprehensive, hierarchical, and all-encompassing vision of creation united in adoration, culminating in the praise of humanity ([Psalms 148:11-14](/psalms/148-11 "Psalm 148:11-14 - Call to Human Praise")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the natural world was often viewed as imbued with divine power, and various deities were associated with specific elements or creatures. However, the Israelite worldview, as reflected in the Psalms, presented a radical monotheistic perspective: Yahweh alone is the Creator, and all creation is His handiwork, subject to His will, and designed to declare His glory. Unlike surrounding cultures that worshipped creation, Israel worshipped the Creator. This psalm reflects a profound understanding of God's absolute sovereignty over all living things, from the largest wild animal to the smallest insect, a concept deeply rooted in the creation accounts of [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Second Creation Account"). The comprehensive listing of animals in this verse serves to reinforce the idea that God's dominion is total, leaving no creature outside the sphere of His creative power and the implicit obligation of praise.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 148 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Universal Praise** or **Cosmic Worship**, asserting that all of creation, both animate and inanimate, is called to glorify its Maker. The very existence and intricate design of each creature inherently declare God's wisdom and power. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Creative Power**, demonstrating the vastness of His dominion over every living thing, from the untamed wilderness to the domesticated farm, and from the lowest-crawling creature to the highest-flying bird. This diversity showcases the boundless creativity of the God who sustains all life ([Job 12:7-10](/job/12-7 "Job 12:7-10 - Ask the Beasts and They Will Teach You")). Lastly, it reinforces the **Testimony of Creation**, where the natural world serves as a perpetual witness to God's attributes. Even non-rational beings implicitly declare God's glory, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"), which states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beasts (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416 (chay), meaning "alive" or "living thing," often referring to wild, untamed animals, particularly those of the field or forest. This term emphasizes the vibrant, untamed aspects of creation, suggesting creatures that live freely and are not under human domestication or control. Their very wildness and existence are a testament to God's untamed power and provision.
* **Cattle (Hebrew, _bᵉhêmâh'_):** From H929 (bᵉhêmâh), meaning "dumb beast," especially any large quadruped or animal, often collective. This term refers to domesticated animals, those useful to humans for labor, food, or companionship. The inclusion of "cattle" alongside "beasts" creates a comprehensive scope for land animals, encompassing both the wild and the tamed, highlighting God's sovereignty over all forms of animal life that interact with humanity.
* **Creeping things (Hebrew, _remes'_):** From H7431 (remes), meaning "a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal." This term encompasses small, often low-to-the-ground creatures like reptiles, insects, and rodents. Its inclusion signifies the Psalmist's intention to leave no category of creature out, emphasizing that even the seemingly insignificant or lowly forms of life are part of God's grand design and are called to praise Him.
* **Flying fowl (Hebrew, _kânâph tsippôwr'_):** A combination of H3671 (kânâph), meaning "wing" or "extremity," and H6833 (tsippôwr), meaning "a little bird (as hopping)" or "fowl." This phrase literally translates to "winged bird" and refers to all birds, from the smallest sparrow to the largest eagle. It represents the aerial realm of creation, completing the comprehensive survey of the animal kingdom from the ground-dwelling to the airborne, demonstrating God's dominion over every dimension of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beasts, and all cattle":** This initial phrase establishes a broad category of land animals. "Beasts" (wild animals) and "cattle" (domesticated animals) form a **merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. This covers the entire spectrum of larger quadrupeds, from the untamed creatures of the wilderness to those under human care, indicating that all such creatures, regardless of their relationship to humanity, are included in the universal call to praise.
* **"creeping things, and flying fowl":** This second clause further expands the scope, incorporating smaller, low-to-the-ground creatures ("creeping things") and all airborne creatures ("flying fowl"). This pairing creates another **merism**, encompassing the smallest and most numerous forms of life, as well as those that inhabit the skies. Together with the first clause, this verse provides a comprehensive, four-fold classification that covers virtually every type of animal life, from the largest to the smallest, from the earth's surface to its depths, and to the skies above, all summoned to acknowledge their Creator.

#### Literary Devices
The Psalmist employs several powerful literary devices in Psalms 148:10 to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Merism**, seen in the pairings "beasts, and all cattle" and "creeping things, and flying fowl." By presenting these contrasting yet complementary categories (wild vs. domesticated, ground-dwelling vs. airborne), the Psalmist effectively encompasses the entirety of the animal kingdom, emphasizing the **Totality** and **Inclusivity** of God's dominion and the universal scope of praise. Furthermore, the entire psalm, including this verse, utilizes **Personification**, where inanimate objects and non-rational creatures are given the human capacity for praise. While animals do not consciously worship, their very existence, intricate design, and fulfillment of their created purpose inherently declare the glory of God. This poetic device serves to magnify the Creator's majesty, demonstrating that even without speech, the natural world offers a continuous, silent hymn of adoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 148:10 profoundly reinforces the biblical truth that creation itself is a testament to God's glory and an active participant in His praise. The diverse animal kingdom, from the mightiest wild beast to the lowliest insect, exists as a vibrant display of divine wisdom, power, and intricate design. This inherent "praise" from the animal world serves as a perpetual, non-verbal sermon, reminding humanity that if even non-rational creatures reflect God's majesty, how much more should conscious, rational beings offer intentional and heartfelt worship. The verse invites us to see the world not merely as a resource, but as a vast cathedral where every living thing, by its very being, contributes to a cosmic symphony of adoration for the One who made it all.

* [Psalm 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalm 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!")
* [Isaiah 43:20](/isaiah/43-20 "Isaiah 43:20 - The wild beasts shall honor me, the jackals and the ostriches")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 148:10 is a powerful invitation to cultivate a deeper sense of wonder and reverence for God's creation. In a world often disconnected from the natural environment, this verse calls us to pause and observe the incredible diversity and intricate design of the animal kingdom. Each creature, from the smallest ant to the largest whale, is a masterpiece of divine artistry, silently declaring the wisdom and power of its Maker. Recognizing that even non-verbal animals implicitly praise God by their very existence should stir our hearts to conscious and articulate worship. It challenges us to consider how our lives, endowed with reason and speech, can more fully join this cosmic chorus of adoration. Furthermore, understanding God's care and ownership of all creatures—even the sparrows ([Matthew 10:29](/matthew/10-29 "Matthew 10:29 - Not One Sparrow Falls Without Your Father"))—reminds us of our sacred responsibility as stewards of the earth, called to protect and care for the animal kingdom as part of our worship and obedience to the Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does observing the diversity of the animal kingdom deepen your appreciation for God's creative power and wisdom?**
* **In what ways can we, as humans, consciously participate in the "praise" that the animal kingdom implicitly offers to God?**
* **What is our responsibility as stewards of creation, given that all creatures are called to praise their Maker?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Why does the Psalmist call non-rational animals to praise God?

Answer: The Psalmist's call for non-rational animals to praise God is primarily a poetic and theological statement, not a literal expectation of verbal worship. It employs **personification**, a literary device where inanimate objects or non-human entities are given human attributes or actions. Theologically, it emphasizes that all of creation, by its very existence, design, and function, inherently declares the glory, wisdom, and power of its Creator. Animals, by fulfilling their created purpose and displaying their unique characteristics, are seen as offering a continuous, silent testimony to God's majesty. This concept is echoed in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"), which states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." It highlights God's universal sovereignty and the idea that His handiwork is so magnificent that even without conscious thought, it points back to Him.

**Question?** How does this verse relate to humanity's unique role in creation?

Answer: While Psalms 148:10 includes animals in the universal chorus of praise, humanity holds a distinct and elevated role. Animals praise God by their inherent being and design, fulfilling their created purpose. Humanity, however, is uniquely created in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Man in God's Image")) and endowed with reason, speech, and moral agency. This enables us to offer conscious, volitional, and articulate worship. We are called not only to join the cosmic chorus but also to lead it, acting as priests of creation, articulating the praise that the rest of the world implicitly offers. Furthermore, humanity is given the responsibility of stewardship over creation ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Cultural Mandate") and [Psalm 8:6-8](/psalms/8-6 "Psalm 8:6-8 - Man's Dominion Over Creation")), meaning we are to care for and manage the animal kingdom and the earth, reflecting God's own benevolent rule. Thus, our praise is both a response to creation's testimony and a unique offering of our will and intellect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The universal call to praise in Psalms 148:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the recipient of this cosmic praise, but the very agent through whom all these creatures were brought into being. As the Apostle John declares, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Created Through Christ")). Similarly, Paul affirms that "by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible... all things were created by him, and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Therefore, when "beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl" implicitly praise God, they are, in essence, testifying to the creative power and glory of the Son. Moreover, Christ's redemptive work extends beyond humanity to the very fabric of creation itself. The "groaning" of creation, awaiting its liberation from the bondage of corruption, is tied to the revealing of the sons of God ([Romans 8:22-23](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22-23 - Creation Groans for Redemption")), a redemption secured by Christ. Ultimately, the grand vision of cosmic worship, where "every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them" offers praise, is directed not only to the Father but also to "the Lamb" ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Every Creature Praises God and the Lamb")). Thus, the praise of the animal kingdom, called for in Psalm 148:10, is a prefigurement of the eschatological reality where all creation acknowledges the supreme Lordship of Christ, the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 7:14

They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort.

Psalms 103:22

Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Psalms 50:10

For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills.

Psalms 50:11

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field [are] mine.

Psalms 150:6

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Ezekiel 17:23

In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

Genesis 1:20

¶ And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl [that] may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.