Psalms 148:9

Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

Mountains {H2022}, and all hills {H1389}; fruitful {H6529} trees {H6086}, and all cedars {H730}:

mountains and every hill, fruit trees and all cedars,

mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,

Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars;

Commentary

Psalms 148:9 is part of a magnificent hymn of praise, calling on all of creation—from the highest heavens to the deepest seas—to glorify the Lord. This particular verse focuses on the grand and enduring elements of the earth's landscape: "Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:"

Context

Psalm 148 is structured as a universal call to worship. It begins with a summons to the celestial realm (vv. 1-6), then descends to the terrestrial world (vv. 7-10), and culminates with an invitation to all humanity, regardless of age or status (vv. 11-14). Verse 9 specifically highlights prominent natural features and vegetation, emphasizing that every part of the created order has a role in declaring God's majesty and power. It follows the call to "fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word" (Psalm 148:8), painting a comprehensive picture of earthly elements in praise.

Key Themes

  • Universal Declaration of Praise: The verse underscores that all creation, even seemingly inanimate objects like mountains and trees, inherently testifies to God's glory. Their very existence and grandeur are a silent, yet powerful, anthem of praise. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
  • God's Sovereignty and Design: The presence of majestic mountains, life-giving fruitful trees, and mighty cedars speaks volumes about the Creator's incredible power, wisdom, and meticulous design. Each element is perfectly formed and functions according to His divine will.
  • Nature as a Witness: This verse reminds us that nature itself serves as a profound witness to God's invisible attributes and eternal power, a truth also articulated in Romans 1:20.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "mountains" (harim - הָרִים) and "hills" (g'va'ot - גְּבָעוֹת) evokes images of steadfastness, grandeur, and permanence, often used in scripture to represent strength and stability.
  • "Fruitful trees" (etz p'ri - עֵץ פְּרִי) signifies not just beauty but also utility and provision, highlighting God's sustaining power through nature.
  • "Cedars" (arazim - אֲרָזִים) specifically refers to the magnificent cedars of Lebanon, renowned for their immense size, longevity, and durability. They often symbolize majesty, strength, and righteousness in the Bible, as seen in Psalm 92:12, "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon."

Practical Application

Psalms 148:9 serves as a profound invitation for us to join the chorus of creation. If the mountains stand as silent witnesses to God's glory, and the trees offer their fruit and shade as expressions of His provision, how much more should humanity, created in His image, offer intentional praise? This verse encourages us to:

  • Observe and Appreciate: Take time to truly see and appreciate the natural world around us, recognizing it as a testament to God's magnificent handiwork.
  • Join the Chorus: Be inspired by creation's silent praise and let it move our hearts to verbal and heartfelt worship of the Creator.
  • Live in Harmony with Creation: Understand our place within God's created order, not as masters to exploit, but as stewards called to care for and respect His beautiful design.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 44:23 (8 votes)

    Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done [it]: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

  • Isaiah 49:13 (7 votes)

    ¶ Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

  • Isaiah 55:12 (3 votes)

    For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.

  • Isaiah 55:13 (3 votes)

    Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off.

  • Isaiah 42:11 (2 votes)

    Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up [their voice], the villages [that] Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

  • Ezekiel 36:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:

  • Ezekiel 36:15 (2 votes)

    Neither will I cause [men] to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord GOD.