Psalms 148:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them praise {H1984} the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}: for he commanded {H6680}, and they were created {H1254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let them praise the name of ADONAI; for he commanded, and they were created.

Berean Standard Bible

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created.

American Standard Version

Let them praise the name of Jehovah; For he commanded, and they were created.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 148:5 stands as a pivotal declaration within a grand, universal hymn of praise, asserting that all created entities, particularly the celestial hosts previously invoked, owe their very existence to the direct, authoritative, and efficacious command of the LORD. This verse provides the immutable theological foundation for their ceaseless adoration, establishing God's absolute sovereignty and unparalleled creative power as the ultimate and non-negotiable reason for all of creation to offer Him glory, honor, and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 148 is a magnificent, cosmic call to worship, forming a central part of the "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150) that joyfully conclude the Psalter. The psalm unfolds as an expansive invitation to praise, systematically moving from the highest heavens down to the earth. Verses 1-4 specifically summon the celestial realm—including the heavens, sun, moon, stars, and "waters above the heavens"—to praise the LORD. Verse 5 then serves as the theological bedrock for this celestial summons, explaining *why* these heavenly bodies should praise God: their existence is a direct, immediate, and intentional result of His creative command. It masterfully transitions from the *who* and *what* of praise (heavenly bodies) to the fundamental *why*, grounding the universal adoration in divine fiat. The subsequent verses (6-14) broaden this call, extending the invitation to earthly creatures, natural phenomena, and ultimately, humanity, thereby constructing a comprehensive symphony of praise encompassing the entirety of creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, including Psalm 148, were composed within the ancient Israelite context, where the worship of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, was profoundly central to both national and individual life. The worldview presented is distinctly monotheistic, standing in stark contrast to the polytheistic cosmologies prevalent among surrounding nations, which often deified natural phenomena like the sun, moon, and stars. For the Israelites, these celestial bodies were not deities to be appeased or worshipped but rather created entities, entirely subservient to the one true God. The foundational concept of God speaking creation into existence (`ex nihilo` or by divine ordering), as vividly depicted in [the creation account in Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), was a core tenet of their faith. This concept profoundly emphasized God's transcendence, omnipotence, and unique position as the sovereign Lord over all. This psalm would have been integral to communal worship, likely recited or sung in temple services or other gatherings, fostering a deep sense of awe, reverence, and gratitude for God's majestic creative work and His singular authority over the universe.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 148:5 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Creative Power**, emphasizing that creation is not a product of chance, an impersonal force, or an evolutionary process, but an immediate, authoritative, and personal act of God's will. The very act of God's command brings forth reality, highlighting His supreme power and absolute authority over all things, a theme profoundly echoed in [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Creation into Being") ("And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light") and [Psalm 33:9](/psalms/33-9 "Psalm 33:9 - God's Word Creates") ("For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm"). Secondly, the verse establishes **The Basis for Praise**, presenting the sheer act of creation as the foundational and compelling reason for all beings to praise the LORD. Everything that exists owes its being, its form, and its function to Him; therefore, its very existence is a continuous testament to His glory and inherently worthy of ceaseless adoration, aligning perfectly with the broader, universal call to worship found throughout [Psalm 148](/psalms/148 "Psalm 148 - A Universal Call to Praise"). Thirdly, it reinforces **God's Sovereignty**, demonstrating His absolute control and dominion over creation. His word is not merely a suggestion but a sufficient and irresistible force; it brings forth reality instantly and perfectly, reinforcing God's position as the rightful ruler, sustainer, and ultimate purpose of the universe, a concept consistently affirmed in passages such as [Isaiah 40:26](/isaiah/40-26 "Isaiah 40:26 - God's Mighty Power") ("Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root signifies to be clear, to shine, to make a show, to boast, or to celebrate. In the context of worship, particularly as used in the Hallelujah Psalms, it denotes a joyous, often clamorous, and public acclamation of God's greatness and worthiness. It is not merely quiet reverence but an exuberant, sometimes boisterous, declaration of His praiseworthiness, often involving song, dance, or shouting. Here, it implies that creation's very existence, brought forth by divine command, is a continuous, visible, and resounding declaration of God's glory.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This primitive root means to constitute, enjoin, appoint, or give a charge. It denotes an authoritative decree or instruction, a powerful and effective word that carries the full weight of the speaker's authority and intention. It is not a suggestion, a request, or a mere wish, but an absolute, irresistible order that brings about its intended effect without fail or delay. In this verse, it profoundly highlights God's omnipotence and the immediate, non-negotiable nature of His creative act, where His word is sufficient to bring reality into being.
* **Created (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies to create, to cut down, select, or feed. Crucially, in the Old Testament, when used absolutely (without specifying the material from which something is made), _bârâʼ_ is almost exclusively used with God as the subject. It describes God's unique act of bringing something into existence, often implying creation _ex nihilo_ (out of nothing), or shaping something entirely new and distinct that was not previously there. It emphasizes the divine, unparalleled nature of God's creative work, particularly on a cosmic scale, distinguishing it fundamentally from human making, forming, or fashioning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them praise the name of the LORD":** This opening clause functions as an imperative command, a fervent and urgent call for the celestial bodies and phenomena previously mentioned in [Psalms 148:1-4](/psalms/148-1-4 "Psalms 148:1-4 - Call to Heavenly Praise") (the heavens, sun, moon, stars, and waters above) to offer adoration. "The name of the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) signifies His revealed character, His attributes, His very being, and His reputation. To praise His name is to acknowledge, celebrate, and proclaim who He is in all His majesty, power, holiness, and faithfulness. The "them" refers directly and specifically to the entities called to praise in the preceding verses, establishing a direct connection in the psalm's flow.
* **"for he commanded, and they were created":** This clause provides the irrefutable and foundational theological rationale for the preceding command to praise. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, _kî_) introduces the reason, explaining the ultimate basis of their existence and thus their obligation to praise. Their very existence, their being, their form, and their function are not accidental or self-originated but are the direct, intentional, and immediate result of God's authoritative word. The sequence "commanded, and they were created" emphasizes the profound immediacy and efficacy of God's creative decree. There is no temporal or causal gap between His powerful word and its perfect fulfillment; His command brings forth reality instantaneously and without effort.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 148:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truth and enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Divine Fiat**, where God's spoken word is presented as the sole, sufficient, and irresistible cause of creation. The concise and powerful phrase "he commanded, and they were created" perfectly exemplifies this, showcasing the immediate and absolute power of God's decree to bring forth existence. This is intrinsically linked to **Cause and Effect**, where the divine command is the ultimate cause, and the existence of creation is the direct, inevitable, and instantaneous effect, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and the infallibility of His word. The verse also utilizes **Personification** implicitly, as it calls inanimate celestial bodies to "praise." While they do not praise in a conscious, volitional sense like humans, their very existence, order, and function are understood as a continuous, silent, yet resounding declaration of God's glory, acting as a perpetual hymn. Furthermore, there is a profound element of **Cosmic Scope**, as this single verse grounds the praise of the entire vast universe—from the highest heavens to the deepest earth—in a singular, divine act, emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of all creation under one omnipotent Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 148:5 profoundly establishes the theological bedrock of creation: God's sovereign word is the ultimate, sole, and immediate source of all existence. This foundational truth asserts that the universe is not a product of chance, an impersonal force, or an accidental outcome, but the deliberate, purposeful, and powerful work of an omnipotent Creator. The immediate and direct link between God's command and creation ("he commanded, and they were created") highlights His absolute authority, unparalleled power, and infinite wisdom, making Him uniquely and supremely worthy of universal adoration. This principle undergirds all biblical theology, affirming God's role as the transcendent Creator, faithful sustainer, and rightful ruler of all things, and provides the primary, non-negotiable reason for all creation, especially humanity made in His image, to offer Him conscious, heartfelt, and continuous praise.

* [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth")
* [Psalm 33:6](/psalms/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - Creation by God's Word")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Revealed in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 148:5 calls us to a profound reorientation of our perspective on the world around us and our place within God's grand design. If the vast, inanimate cosmos praises the LORD simply by existing in perfect obedience to His command, how much more should humanity, uniquely made in His image, endowed with reason and volition, and recipients of His boundless grace and redemptive love, offer conscious, intentional, and heartfelt praise? This verse invites us to gaze upon the heavens with renewed awe and wonder, recognizing God's immense power, meticulous design, and unfathomable wisdom displayed in every star, galaxy, and cosmic phenomenon. It challenges us to move beyond a purely utilitarian or scientific view of creation and instead perceive it as a continuous, vibrant declaration of God's glory, prompting us to join this universal chorus of adoration. Understanding that "he commanded, and they were created" provides a profound and unshakeable basis for faith, trust, and worship, affirming God's complete control, purposeful design, and the inherent goodness of all creation. It serves as a powerful reminder that our very breath, our existence, and every blessing are gifts from the One who spoke the entire world into being, compelling us to live lives that consistently reflect His praise and honor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's immediate and powerful command in creation deepen your awe and worship of Him, particularly in contrast to other explanations for existence?**
* **If the inanimate creation praises God simply by existing and fulfilling its designed purpose, what unique and intentional ways can we, as image-bearers with free will, offer Him conscious and devoted praise?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or aspects of your daily routine do you need to more fully acknowledge God's sovereign command and creative power, allowing it to shape your perspective and actions?**

### FAQ
**Who are "them" that are commanded to praise the name of the LORD?**

Answer: In the immediate literary context of [Psalm 148](/psalms/148 "Psalm 148 - A Universal Call to Praise"), "them" refers specifically and primarily to the celestial bodies and phenomena mentioned in the preceding verses, [Psalms 148:1-4](/psalms/148-1-4 "Psalms 148:1-4 - A Call to Heavenly Praise"). This includes "the heavens," "sun and moon," "all you shining stars," and "you highest heavens and you waters above the heavens." The psalm then expands this initial call to encompass all of creation, from the deepest parts of the earth (sea monsters, fire, hail, snow, mist, stormy wind) to the loftiest human beings (kings, princes, young men, maidens, old men, children), making it a truly universal summons to praise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 148:5 speaks profoundly of God's creative power in the Old Testament, the New Testament provides the revelatory insight that this divine command was not executed by an impersonal force, but specifically through the pre-existent Son, Jesus Christ. The Apostle John unequivocally declares in his prologue that in the beginning was the Word, and "all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ")). Similarly, Paul, in his majestic hymn to Christ's supremacy, affirms that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Thus, the "he commanded" of Psalms 148:5 finds its ultimate agent and personal embodiment in Christ, the eternal Word who spoke creation into being. Furthermore, Christ is not only the agent of the original creation but also the one through whom a new creation is brought forth. Just as He commanded and the physical world was created and sustained, so too does He command and bring forth new spiritual life in those who believe, fulfilling the promise of "new creation" in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Therefore, the cosmic praise called for in Psalms 148 ultimately redounds to the glory of God the Father through God the Son, the sovereign Creator and the gracious Redeemer.

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

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Psalms 33:6

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Psalms 33:9

For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Genesis 1:6

¶ And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.

Genesis 1:1

¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:2

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Jeremiah 10:11

Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, [even] they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.