Psalms 148:2

KJV

Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} ye him, all his angels {H4397}: praise {H1984} ye him, all his hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all his armies!

Berean Standard Bible

Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.

American Standard Version

Praise ye him, all his angels: Praise ye him, all his host.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 148:2 issues a majestic summons for universal praise, specifically directing its imperative to the celestial realm. It calls upon "all his angels" and "all his hosts" to laud the Lord, thereby establishing that adoration for God is not confined to the earthly sphere but is a cosmic, unending mandate. This verse powerfully declares that even the most exalted spiritual entities actively participate in a grand chorus of worship, underscoring God's supreme sovereignty, unparalleled majesty, and inherent worthiness of praise from all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 148 is a vibrant hymn of universal praise, strategically positioned within the final Hallel Psalms (146-150), which collectively crescendo into a resounding "Hallelujah!" The psalm itself is meticulously structured as a grand, systematic invitation, beginning with a call to the highest heavens and progressively descending to encompass all earthly creation. [Psalms 148:1](/psalms/148-1 "Psalm 148:1 - Praise from the Heavens") initiates this cosmic summons by addressing the celestial spheres, including the sun, moon, and stars. Verse 2 then refines this focus, specifically addressing the intelligent, spiritual inhabitants of the heavens—the angels and heavenly hosts. This deliberate progression from inanimate celestial bodies to sentient spiritual beings sets the stage for a comprehensive cosmic chorus of adoration that will eventually extend to the earth, inviting all its creatures and humanity to join in the same divine activity (cf. [Psalms 148:7-13](/psalms/148-7-13 "Psalm 148:7-13 - Earthly Creation Praises God")). This movement from the highest heavens to the lowest earth profoundly emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of God's dominion and His universal worthiness of praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite cosmology, the heavens were understood not merely as a physical space but as God's sacred dwelling place, populated by a vast array of spiritual beings who served as His attendants, messengers, and executors of His divine will. The concept of a "heavenly host" (often associated with the epithet "Lord of Hosts" or "Yahweh Sebaoth") was deeply ingrained in the Israelite worldview, signifying God's supreme command over these celestial armies and His absolute authority over both the spiritual and physical realms. This understanding permeates the Old Testament, where angels are depicted as divine messengers, formidable warriors, and constant worshippers (e.g., [1 Kings 22:19](/1_kings/22-19 "1 Kings 22:19 - The Heavenly Host Standing Before God")). The psalmist's call for these powerful, pure, and numerous beings to praise God reflects a cultural appreciation for hierarchy and divine order, where even the highest created beings recognize, submit to, and actively laud the ultimate authority of the Creator, thereby highlighting His unparalleled glory, power, and transcendent nature.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute authority and dominion not only over the physical universe but also over the powerful, spiritual beings who serve Him. Even the highest heavenly host is subject to His command and exists primarily to praise Him, as powerfully articulated in [Nehemiah 9:6](/nehemiah/9-6 "Nehemiah 9:6 - God as Creator and Object of Heavenly Worship"). Secondly, it champions **Universal Worship**, emphasizing that adoration for God is not limited to humanity alone but is a cosmic obligation and privilege extending to all created beings, from the highest heavens to the deepest earth. The angels and heavenly hosts are depicted as active, willing, and commanded participants in this eternal act of adoration. Finally, it magnifies **God's Majesty and Worthiness**, as the very fact that such powerful, pure, and innumerable beings are commanded to praise God highlights His immense glory, unparalleled worthiness, and infinite supremacy to receive all honor, glory, and worship, a theme reverberating through passages like [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Seraphim Crying 'Holy'").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root (H1984) signifies to be clear, to shine, to make a show, to boast, or to celebrate. It often carries the connotation of a clamorous, enthusiastic, and public declaration of worthiness. In the context of divine praise, it implies a joyful, exuberant, and unreserved extolling of God's attributes and deeds. When angels "praise" God, they are not merely acknowledging His existence but actively and loudly proclaiming His glory and perfections, making His renown manifest throughout the cosmos.
* **Angels (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to despatch as a deputy," this term (H4397) refers to a messenger. While it can apply to human messengers, in this context, it specifically denotes spiritual beings who serve as God's emissaries. These are intelligent, powerful, created beings who execute God's will, often appearing to humans to deliver messages or perform divine acts. Their inclusion in the call to praise emphasizes their primary role as worshippers and servants in God's heavenly court, perpetually acknowledging His supreme authority.
* **Hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** This word (H6635) refers to a mass of persons, especially organized for war, an army, or a company. In a celestial context, it signifies the vast, organized multitude of angelic beings, emphasizing their immense number, their disciplined service under God's command, and their collective power. The frequent Old Testament phrase "Lord of Hosts" (Yahweh Sebaoth) highlights God as the supreme commander of these heavenly armies, implying His infinite power and authority over all spiritual forces, both visible and invisible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Praise ye him, all his angels:"** This clause issues a direct, imperative command to God's angelic beings. It is not a mere invitation but a forceful exhortation, implying that even these exalted spiritual entities, who constantly dwell in God's unblemished presence, are to actively and continuously engage in the act of praising Him. The term "all" emphasizes the universal participation of every angelic being, irrespective of their rank, specific function, or proximity to the divine throne, signifying a complete and unified adoration.
* **"praise ye him, all his hosts."** This second clause functions as a powerful parallel reinforcement of the first, employing synonymous parallelism. "His hosts" refers to the same collective body of celestial beings, emphasizing their vast number and organized nature as God's spiritual army and retinue. The repetition of the command "praise ye him" intensifies the call, underscoring the absolute necessity and comprehensive nature of their worship. It highlights that the entire heavenly assembly, in its myriad forms and functions, is united in this singular, overarching purpose: to glorify and extol God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 148:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of cosmic praise. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or abstract entity, or in this case, to non-human entities (angels and heavenly hosts). This direct address imbues the psalm with a sense of urgency, grandeur, and cosmic scope, as the psalmist speaks directly to the celestial realm, inviting its inhabitants to participate in the universal chorus. **Parallelism** is also central, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second clause ("praise ye him, all his hosts") reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first clause ("Praise ye him, all his angels"). This repetition not only adds emphasis and intensity to the command but also creates a rhythmic, liturgical quality, perfectly suited for a hymn of praise. The inclusion of the quantifier "all" in both clauses functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the universal and comprehensive nature of the commanded praise, extending to every single member of the vast heavenly assembly, thereby profoundly magnifying God's glory as the recipient of such widespread and unreserved adoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 148:2 presents a profound theological truth: the very fabric of creation, from its highest spiritual echelons, is designed for and compelled to worship God. This heavenly chorus serves as both a model and a powerful motivation for human worship. If angels, who are pure, powerful, and constantly in God's unblemished presence, are commanded to praise Him, it underscores God's infinite worthiness and the inherent obligation of all created beings to acknowledge His supremacy. This cosmic worship is not merely an emotional outburst but a profound recognition of God's sovereign rule, His creative power, and His sustaining presence. It reminds us that our worship on earth is not an isolated act but a participation in a grand, eternal symphony of adoration that resonates throughout the universe, connecting us to the very heart of divine purpose.

* [Revelation 5:11-12](/revelation/5-11-12 "Revelation 5:11-12 - Multitudes of Angels Praising the Lamb")
* [Job 38:7](/job/38-7 "Job 38:7 - The Sons of God Shouting for Joy at Creation")
* [Luke 2:13-14](/luke/2-13-14 "Luke 2:13-14 - The Heavenly Host Praising God at Jesus' Birth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The psalmist's call for angels and heavenly hosts to praise God serves as a profound and humbling reminder for humanity. If these celestial beings, who constantly dwell in God's unblemished presence and perfectly execute His will, are exhorted to praise Him, how much more should we, who have experienced His redemptive love, boundless grace, and unfathomable mercy, offer our worship? This verse encourages believers to join the grand, cosmic chorus of praise, recognizing that our worship is not an isolated act but part of a continuous, universal adoration that began in the heavens and extends to every corner of creation. It inspires us to live lives of worship, knowing that we are participating in the same divine activity as the multitude of angels around God's throne, and that our praise, however imperfect, contributes to the glory of the One who is worthy of all honor. This should ignite a fervent desire within us to align our hearts and voices with the heavenly host, making our lives a perpetual offering of praise, not just in moments of devotion, but in every aspect of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the knowledge that angels and heavenly hosts praise God influence your understanding of the nature and importance of worship?**
* **In what practical ways can your daily life become a more consistent and intentional act of praise, aligning with the universal call to worship?**
* **What specific attributes of God are highlighted by the command for such powerful and pure beings as angels to praise Him, and how does this deepen your awe?**
* **How can reflecting on the majesty and ceaselessness of the heavenly host's worship deepen your own personal devotion and inspire a greater sense of reverence for God?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "angels" and "hosts" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "angels" (Hebrew: _mal'akhim_, H4397) are spiritual beings created by God, primarily serving as His messengers and agents. The "hosts" (Hebrew: _tsâbâʼ_, H6635) refers to the vast, organized multitude of these angelic beings, often depicted as God's heavenly army or retinue. Together, they represent the entire spiritual population of the heavens, emphasizing their immense number, their disciplined service, and their unified purpose under God's command. This aligns perfectly with the biblical understanding of God as the "Lord of Hosts" (Yahweh Sebaoth), meaning the divine commander of these celestial armies, as seen in passages like [1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Lord of Hosts").

**Why do angels need to be commanded to praise God if they are already in His presence?**

Answer: The imperative command to "praise ye him" is not necessarily an indication that angels are unwilling or forgetful, but rather an emphatic poetic device used to underscore the universality, ceaselessness, and inherent nature of God's praise. It highlights that praise is a fundamental and continuous function of these beings. Even in God's immediate presence, the call serves as an exhortation to maintain and intensify this core aspect of their existence, reinforcing that God's glory is so immense that it warrants constant, active, and comprehensive adoration from all His creation, including the most exalted beings. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful example for humanity, demonstrating that even perfect, unfallen beings are continually engaged in worship, setting a standard for our own devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 148:2, with its magnificent call for angels and heavenly hosts to praise God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest significance in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament angels primarily praised God the Father, the New Testament unequivocally reveals that these same celestial beings now worship the Son. [Hebrews 1:6](/hebrews/1-6 "Hebrews 1:6 - Angels Worship the Son") explicitly states, "Let all the angels of God worship him," referring directly to Christ upon His return to heaven. The heavenly hosts, who once heralded the birth of the Messiah with shouts of "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (cf. [Luke 2:13-14](/luke/2-13-14 "Luke 2:13-14 - The Heavenly Host at Jesus' Birth")), now serve Him as the ascended Lord and King. Christ, as the Creator through whom all things, visible and invisible, including "thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers," were made (cf. [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator of All Things")), is the rightful and supreme recipient of the very praise that Psalms 148:2 commands. Furthermore, through His atoning sacrifice, Christ has reconciled all things to Himself, "whether things on earth or things in heaven" (cf. [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")), thereby uniting the earthly and heavenly choruses of praise under His headship. Our ability as believers to join this cosmic worship is entirely dependent on Christ, who grants us access to the Father "through one Spirit" (cf. [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")), enabling us to participate in the eternal praise that began in the heavens and now culminates in the adoration of the Lamb who was slain, whose worthiness is proclaimed by "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" of angels (cf. [Revelation 5:11-14](/revelation/5-11-14 "Revelation 5:11-14 - Heavenly Worship of the Lamb")).

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

Psalms 103:20

Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Psalms 103:21

Bless ye the LORD, all [ye] his hosts; [ye] ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

Ezekiel 3:12

Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, [saying], Blessed [be] the glory of the LORD from his place.

Isaiah 6:2

Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

Isaiah 6:4

And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

Job 38:7

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Genesis 2:1

¶ Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.