Psalms 148 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
148:1
1. heavens [and] heights--are synonymous.
148:2
2. hosts--(compare Psa 103:21).
148:4
4. heavens of heavens--the very highest. waters--clouds, resting above the visible heavens (compare Ge 1:7).
148:5
5. praise the name--as representing His perfections. he commanded--"He" is emphatic, ascribing creation to God alone.
148:6
6. The perpetuity of the frame of nature is, of course, subject to Him who formed it. a decree ... pass--His ordinances respecting them shall not change (Jr 36:31), or perish (Job 34:20; Psa 37:36).
148:7–10
7-10. The call on the earth, as opposed to heaven, includes seas or depths, whose inhabitants the dragon, as one of the largest (on leviathan, see on Psa 104:26), is selected to represent. The most destructive and ungovernable agents of inanimate nature are introduced.
148:11–12
11-12. Next all rational beings, from the highest in rank to little children. princes--or, military leaders.
148:13
13. Let them--all mentioned. excellent--or, exalted (Is 12:4). his glory--majesty (Psa 45:3). above the earth and heaven--Their united splendors fail to match His.
148:14
14. exalteth the horn--established power (Psa 75:5, 6). praise of--or literally, "for" his saints--that is, occasions for them to praise Him. They are further described as "His people," and "near unto Him," sustaining by covenanted care a peculiarly intimate relation.