Psalms 148:2

Authorized King James Version

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Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

Original Language Analysis

הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ Praise H1984
הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ Praise
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 1 of 6
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
כָל H3605
כָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 2 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַלְאָכָ֑יו ye him all his angels H4397
מַלְאָכָ֑יו ye him all his angels
Strong's: H4397
Word #: 3 of 6
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ Praise H1984
הַֽ֝לְל֗וּהוּ Praise
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 4 of 6
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צְבָאָֽו׃ ye him all his hosts H6635
צְבָאָֽו׃ ye him all his hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 6 of 6
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

Analysis & Commentary

Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. This verse summons the angelic realm to worship, using parallel Hebrew imperatives halleluhu (הַלְלוּהוּ, praise Him) twice. "All his angels" (kol mal'akhav, כָּל־מַלְאָכָיו) refers to created spiritual beings who serve as God's messengers (mal'akh, מַלְאָךְ, means messenger or angel). The phrase "all his hosts" (kol tzeva'av, כָּל־צְבָאָיו) uses tzeva'ot, meaning armies or organized forces—hence God's title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Tzeva'ot).

This military imagery portrays heaven's angelic beings as organized regiments serving under divine command. They are not independent deities (as in pagan pantheons) but created servants who worship and obey. The dual terms (angels/hosts) emphasize both individual angelic beings and their corporate, ordered function. Scripture presents angels as mighty (Psalm 103:20), innumerable (Hebrews 12:22), and constantly worshiping God (Isaiah 6:2-3; Revelation 4:8).

The call for angelic praise establishes that worship originates in heaven before echoing on earth. Jesus taught disciples to pray "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10)—including worship. Revelation 5:11-12 depicts myriads of angels surrounding God's throne, declaring His worthiness. Human worship joins this cosmic chorus, not initiating it but participating in eternal heavenly praise.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cosmology recognized a 'divine council' of lesser gods serving the high god. Israel's monotheism transformed this concept: Yahweh alone is God; angelic beings are His created servants, not divine peers. Psalm 82 and 89:5-7 depict this 'assembly of the holy ones' who surround God but derive all authority from Him. Post-exilic Judaism developed extensive angelology, recognizing archangels (Michael, Gabriel) and categorizing angelic orders, though Scripture remains relatively restrained in such details.

Questions for Reflection