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Psalms 148:14

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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.

He also exalteth {H7311} the horn {H7161} of his people {H5971}, the praise {H8416} of all his saints {H2623}; even of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, a people {H5971} near {H7138} unto him. Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}.

He has increased the power of his people, granted praise to all his faithful, to the descendants of Isra'el, a people close to him. Halleluyah!

He has raised up a horn for His people, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, a people near to Him. Hallelujah!

And he hath lifted up the horn of his people, The praise of all his saints; Even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye Jehovah.

Commentary

Psalm 148:14 concludes a magnificent psalm that calls all creation—from the highest heavens to the deepest seas—to offer praise to the Lord. This final verse narrows the focus, highlighting the particular reason and privilege God's chosen people have for offering such praise.

Context

Psalm 148 is a universal symphony of praise, systematically inviting different parts of creation to extol God. It begins with celestial beings and phenomena (verses 1-6), moves to earthly elements and creatures (verses 7-10), and then includes all humanity, from kings to common people (verses 11-12). Verse 14 serves as a powerful crescendo, specifically addressing the "children of Israel" as the pinnacle of those who have a unique and profound reason to praise God, underscoring their special covenant relationship with Him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Exaltation and Empowerment: The phrase "He also exalteth the horn of his people" signifies God's act of restoring, strengthening, and dignifying His people. It speaks of divine vindication and the bestowal of power and honor, enabling them to stand strong amidst adversaries.
  • Israel's Special Relationship: Describing the "children of Israel" as "a people near unto him" emphasizes their unique, intimate, and covenantal relationship with God. Unlike other nations, Israel was chosen and brought into a close proximity with the Divine, receiving His law and promises. This echoes themes found in Deuteronomy 7:6.
  • Purpose of Praise: God's actions of exalting and drawing His people near are not for their self-glory, but to elicit profound praise. Their strength and privileged position are meant to be a testimony to God's faithfulness and power.
  • The Identity of God's Saints: "The praise of all his saints" refers to those who are set apart for God and are loyal to Him. They are the beneficiaries of His grace and the natural conduits of His praise.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Horn" (Hebrew: qeren): In ancient Near Eastern culture, the horn was a powerful symbol of strength, power, dignity, and victory. Animals with strong horns were formidable. To "exalt the horn" means to increase or restore one's power, honor, or influence, often implying triumph over enemies. Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1 also uses this imagery.
  • "Saints" (Hebrew: chasidim): This term refers to "pious ones," "godly ones," or those who show loyal love and faithfulness to God. They are the recipients of God's `chesed` (steadfast love or covenant loyalty) and are characterized by their devotion.
  • "Near unto him": This conveys a sense of intimate proximity, privilege, and a special relationship, often rooted in a covenant. It highlights Israel's unique status as God's chosen people, distinct from all other nations.

Practical Application

For believers today, who are brought into God's covenant through Christ, this verse holds profound significance. We are the spiritual heirs of Abraham, grafted into the family of God. Like ancient Israel, we experience God's exaltation and empowerment in our lives—not necessarily through worldly power, but through spiritual strength, dignity, and His presence. Our blessings, deliverance, and identity as His beloved people are all reasons to offer Him continuous and heartfelt praise. This verse reminds us that our very existence and every privilege are for His glory, culminating in a resounding "Praise ye the LORD," a fitting response to His boundless goodness.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 75:10 (10 votes)

    All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; [but] the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

  • Ephesians 2:17 (8 votes)

    And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

  • Deuteronomy 4:7 (8 votes)

    For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]?

  • 1 Samuel 2:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

  • 1 Peter 2:9 (5 votes)

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  • Deuteronomy 10:21 (5 votes)

    He [is] thy praise, and he [is] thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

  • Psalms 112:9 (4 votes)

    He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.