Translation: ESV
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
All creatures of the entire universe are called to praise their Creator.
▸This is a magnificent psalm calling for cosmic praise.
This is a magnificent psalm calling for cosmic praise. Verses 1-6 address the heavenly beings—angels, sun, moon, stars, the heavens—inviting them to praise. Verses 7-12 address earthly creatures—the deep, fire, hail, wild animals, people—inviting them to praise.
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!
The sun, moon, and stars are not gods but creatures who must praise God.
▸In the ancient Near East, the sun and moon were worshiped as deities.
Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps,
Even the creatures of the deepest sea are creatures that praise God.
▸The psalm transitions from heavenly praise (vv.
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
All the world's leaders and those in authority are also creatures who must praise God.
▸All levels of society—kings, peoples, princes, rulers—are invited to praise.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.
Only the name of the LORD is uniquely exalted and worthy of all praise.
▸This is the basis for praise.