Psalms 148:7

KJV

¶ Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} the LORD {H3068} from the earth {H776}, ye dragons {H8577}, and all deeps {H8415}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Praise ADONAI from the earth, sea monsters and watery depths,

Berean Standard Bible

Praise the LORD from the earth, all great sea creatures and ocean depths,

American Standard Version

Praise Jehovah from the earth, Ye sea-monsters, and all deeps;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 148:7 extends the universal call to worship, previously directed towards celestial bodies, to the earthly realm, specifically summoning the most formidable, mysterious, and untamed elements of creation: the "dragons" and "deeps." This verse powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that even the chaotic and awe-inspiring forces of nature are subject to His command and are compelled to offer Him praise, thereby contributing to the grand cosmic symphony of adoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 148 is a magnificent hymn of universal praise, structured as a grand summons for all creation to glorify the Lord. The psalm begins by calling upon the heavens, including angels, sun, moon, stars, and the "waters above the heavens" (verses 1-6), to praise their Creator who established them by His decree. Verse 7 marks a significant transition, shifting the focus from the celestial to the terrestrial and aquatic realms. This intentional progression from the highest heavens to the deepest parts of the earth underscores the comprehensive scope of God's dominion and the all-encompassing nature of the praise He is due. The verse acts as a bridge, preparing for the subsequent summons to all human beings and various earthly creatures and phenomena (verses 8-12), culminating in a final call for all people to praise the Lord (verses 13-14).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cosmologies, the "deeps" (Hebrew: *tehom*) often carried connotations of primordial chaos and untamed waters, reminiscent of the "deep" over which the Spirit of God hovered in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit hovering over the deep"). The "dragons" (Hebrew: *tanninim*) referred to large aquatic creatures, sea monsters, or great serpents, often associated with the formidable and uncontrollable forces of the sea. Examples include the "great whales" created in [Genesis 1:21](/genesis/1-21 "Genesis 1:21 - God creates great sea creatures") or the sea monster Leviathan mentioned in [Psalm 74:14](/psalms/74-14 "Psalm 74:14 - God breaking the heads of Leviathan"). For ancient Israelites, these represented the most powerful, mysterious, and potentially threatening aspects of the natural world. By commanding these very elements to praise Him, the psalmist emphasizes Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all creation, including those forces that might otherwise inspire fear or represent chaos. This stands in stark contrast to pagan deities often associated with or subservient to such forces.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 148 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions the theme of **Universal Praise**, asserting that every part of creation, simply by its existence and adherence to God's ordained order, declares His glory. Even the wild and powerful elements of the earth are not exempt from this cosmic symphony of worship. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty**, particularly His absolute power and control over every aspect of His creation, including those forces that appear untamed or chaotic. This resonates with other passages that speak of God's dominion over the sea and its creatures, such as [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God rules the raging sea"), where it states, "Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them." Finally, the verse underscores **Creation's Purpose**, revealing that the ultimate reason for all creation, from the celestial to the subterranean, is to bring glory and praise to its Creator. Their very being is an act of worship, reflecting the divine wisdom and power that brought them into existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root verb means "to be clear (originally of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify." In this context, it carries the strong sense of celebrating, commending, and glorifying the LORD, often with an exuberant, public, or even clamorous expression. It signifies an active declaration of God's worth and majesty.
* **dragons (Hebrew, _tannîyn'_):** This word is an intensive form referring to "a marine or land monster, i.e. sea-serpent or jackal." While translated as "dragons" in the KJV, it most accurately denotes large aquatic creatures such as crocodiles, whales, or other great sea monsters. It represents the largest, most formidable, and awe-inspiring creatures of the deep, symbolizing the untamed and powerful aspects of creation.
* **deeps (Hebrew, _tᵉhôwm'_):** This term, usually feminine, refers to "an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean water supply)." It signifies the vast, dark, and often mysterious depths of the oceans or subterranean waters. Together with "dragons," it encompasses the entirety of the aquatic and subterranean world, emphasizing that no part of creation, however remote or seemingly chaotic, is beyond God's command to praise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Praise the LORD from the earth":** This opening imperative shifts the focus of the psalm's universal call to praise from the heavens, as described in the preceding verses, to the terrestrial realm. It establishes the geographical scope of the following commands, indicating that the earth itself, and all its inhabitants and elements, are summoned to participate in this divine chorus of adoration. The command is direct and absolute, highlighting God's rightful claim to worship from all creation.
* **"ye dragons":** This specific address targets the *tanninim*, understood as great sea creatures or marine monsters. By singling out these formidable and often awe-inspiring beings, the psalmist emphasizes God's dominion over the most powerful and untamed aspects of the natural world. Their very existence and behavior, however wild, are ultimately an expression of God's creative power and thus contribute to His praise.
* **"and all deeps":** This phrase complements "ye dragons" by encompassing the vast, mysterious, and often chaotic depths of the oceans and subterranean waters. It represents the entirety of the aquatic and subterranean world, including not only its creatures but also its immense, dark, and powerful forces. The inclusion of the "deeps" in the call to praise underscores that no part of creation, no matter how hidden or seemingly uncontrollable, is outside the scope of God's sovereign command and His rightful claim to universal worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 148:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of universal praise. **Personification** is central, as inanimate or non-rational elements like "deeps" and creatures like "dragons" are addressed directly and commanded to "Praise the LORD," as if they possess the capacity for conscious worship. This rhetorical device imbues creation with a voice, emphasizing that its very existence and function inherently declare God's glory. The pairing of "dragons" and "deeps" also functions as a **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts represent a whole. Here, these two elements, representing the most formidable and mysterious aspects of the aquatic and subterranean world, stand for the entirety of the earthly waters and their inhabitants. This technique highlights the comprehensive reach of God's dominion. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the overarching **Inclusio** of Psalm 148, which begins with a call to praise from the heavens and culminates in a call to praise from the earth, demonstrating that all creation, from its highest reaches to its lowest depths, is united in glorifying its Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 148:7 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God's sovereignty extends over every facet of creation, even those elements perceived as chaotic, untamed, or mysterious. The call for "dragons" and "deeps" to praise the Lord is a powerful theological statement affirming that nothing is outside the Creator's control or purpose. This verse reminds us that creation itself, in its vastness and power, bears witness to the glory of God, serving as a constant, albeit non-verbal, testament to His might and wisdom. It challenges any notion that there are forces or realms beyond divine authority, asserting God's absolute dominion over all things, from the celestial to the subterranean.

* [Genesis 1:21](/genesis/1-21 "Genesis 1:21 - God creates great sea creatures")
* [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God rules the raging sea")
* [Job 41:1-34](/job/41 "Job 41 - The Description of Leviathan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
If the vast, untamed "dragons" and the mysterious "deeps"—elements of creation that operate by instinct and natural law—are called to praise the Lord, how much more should humanity, uniquely created in God's image and endowed with reason and moral agency, offer Him conscious, intentional worship? This verse challenges us to expand our understanding of praise beyond human voices and instruments, recognizing that the entire cosmos is a stage for God's glory. It invites us to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for the natural world, seeing in its wildness, power, and mystery a reflection of the Creator's infinite might and wisdom. Our praise, then, becomes part of a much larger, universal chorus, joining with all creation in declaring God's glory. This perspective can deepen our appreciation for the natural world and our Creator, inspiring us to care for creation as an act of worship and to find moments of adoration in the most unexpected places.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of "dragons and deeps" praising God challenge or expand your understanding of worship?**
* **In what ways can we, as humans, join with the non-human creation in offering praise to God?**
* **What aspects of the natural world, particularly those that seem wild or untamed, inspire awe and reverence for God in you?**

### FAQ
**What exactly do "dragons" and "deeps" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalm 148:7, "dragons" translates the Hebrew word *tanninim* (תַּנִּינִים), which does not refer to mythical, fire-breathing creatures but rather to large aquatic animals or sea monsters. This term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe creatures like "great whales" in [Genesis 1:21](/genesis/1-21 "Genesis 1:21 - God creates great sea creatures") or a "sea monster" in [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh as a great dragon"). It encompasses the largest and most formidable creatures of the sea, symbolizing the untamed and powerful aspects of creation. "Deeps" (Hebrew: *tehom*) refers to the vast, dark, and often mysterious depths of the oceans or subterranean waters. Together, "dragons and deeps" represent the entirety of the aquatic and subterranean world, emphasizing God's comprehensive sovereignty over all parts of His creation, even those that appear chaotic or beyond human control.

**Why would elements like "dragons" and "deeps" be called to praise God, as they are not sentient beings?**

Answer: The call for "dragons" and "deeps" to praise God is an example of poetic **personification**, a literary device used to emphasize God's absolute sovereignty and the inherent glory of creation. While these elements do not offer conscious, verbal praise like humans or angels, their very existence, their adherence to the laws of nature, and their awe-inspiring power all implicitly declare the greatness and wisdom of their Creator. They fulfill their purpose as created beings, and in doing so, they bring glory to God. This concept is echoed in other biblical passages, such as [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The heavens declare the glory of God"), which states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." It underscores that all creation, in its being, testifies to its Maker.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 148:7's call for "dragons and deeps" to praise the LORD finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament often depicts God as the one who tames the chaos of the waters and establishes dominion over the sea monsters, symbolizing His sovereign power over all forces. In the New Testament, Jesus demonstrates this divine authority not merely by command, but by direct, personal intervention. When He calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee, rebuking the wind and saying to the sea, "[Peace, be still!](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus calms the storm")" and immediately there is a great calm, He displays the very power that Psalm 148 attributes to God. This act reveals Him as the Creator God incarnate, whose voice is obeyed by the "deeps" and all their chaotic forces. Furthermore, Colossians 1:16 declares that "[by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, of things visible and invisible](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All things created by Christ")," including the "dragons" and "deeps." Thus, when these elements are called to praise the LORD, they are implicitly called to praise the One through whom and for whom they were made—Jesus Christ. His redemptive work also extends to the renewal of creation, promising a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more sea, symbolizing the complete vanquishing of all chaos and the full realization of God's peaceful dominion, as foretold in [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A new heaven and a new earth").

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 1:21

And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.

Psalms 74:13

Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters.

Psalms 74:14

Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, [and] gavest him [to be] meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.

Isaiah 43:20

The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

Psalms 104:25

[So is] this great and wide sea, wherein [are] things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

Psalms 104:26

There go the ships: [there is] that leviathan, [whom] thou hast made to play therein.

Isaiah 51:9

¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?