The church, like Jerusalem of old, built up and preserved by the wisdom, power, and goodness
of God, is exhorted to praise him for all the benefits and blessings vouchsafed to her; and these are
represented by his favours in the course of nature. The thawing word may represent the gospel of
Christ, and the thawing wind the Spirit of Christ; for the Spirit is compared to the wind, Joh 3:8.
Converting grace softens the heart that was hard frozen, and melts it into tears of repentance, and
makes good reflections to flow, which before were chilled and stopped up. The change which the
thaw makes is very evident, yet how it is done no one can say. Such is the change wrought in the
conversion of a soul, when God's word and Spirit are sent to melt it and restore it to itself.
Chapter 148
Chapter Outline
The creatures placed in the upper world (1–6)
called on to praise the Lord.
Also the creatures of this lower world, (7–14)
especially his own people.Verses 1–6
We, in this dark and sinful world, know little of the heavenly world of light. But we know that
there is above us a world of blessed angels. They are always praising God, therefore the psalmist
shows his desire that God may be praised in the best manner; also we show that we have communion
with spirits above, who are still praising him. The heavens, with all contained in them, declare the
glory of God. They call on us, that both by word and deed, we glorify with them the Creator and
Redeemer of the universe.
Verses 7–14
Even in this world, dark and bad as it is, God is praised. The powers of nature, be they ever so
strong, so stormy, do what God appoints them, and no more. Those that rebel against God's word,
show themselves to be more violent than even the stormy winds, yet they fulfil it. View the surface
of the earth, mountains and all hills; from the barren tops of some, and the fruitful tops of others,
we may fetch matter for praise. And assuredly creatures which have the powers of reason, ought
to employ themselves in praising God. Let all manner of persons praise God. Those of every rank,
high and low. Let us show that we are his saints by praising his name continually. He is not only
our Creator, but our Redeemer; who made us a people near unto him. We may by “the Horn of his
people” understand Christ, whom God has exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, who is indeed the
defence and the praise of all his saints, and will be so for ever. In redemption, that unspeakable
glory is displayed, which forms the source of all our hopes and joys. May the Lord pardon us, and
teach our hearts to love him more and praise him better.