Psalm 148: The Ubiquitous They

One Year Bible: II Kings 17:1-18:12, Acts 20:1-38; Psalm 148:1-14; Proverbs 18:6-7

The Ubiquitous They

Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.
(Psalm 148:5)

The writer tells us that “they” should praise the Lord, since it was He who spoke the word and “they” were created. So who in the world is “they”?

Have you ever heard people refer to “they” when they are talking? “They” did this; “they” did that; “they” want this; “they” want that. I call that the “ubiquitous they”—everybody in general and no one in particular. The psalmist is referring to the “ubiquitous they.” In this case, everybody and each one!

Whatever was created—which pretty well covers it—owes their existence to the word of the Lord. He spoke, and out of nothing “they” were created: Angels, heavenly beings, solar systems, weather patterns, geological formations, plant and animal life, rulers and authorities, along with “young men and maidens, old men and children.” (Psalm 148:12) I think it’s safe to say, you and I are included in this list. That is who “they” are.

Now isn’t it only right and fitting that “they” should offer continual and heartfelt praise to the One who created them? Unfortunately, and unbelievably, many of “them” have turned from worshipping He who created them and worship what He created instead. (Romans 1:25) How absurd is that!

But you can change that—me too! Let’s do what we were created to do. As we go about our day, let’s make it our aim to lift up praise to the name of the Lord in all that we say and in whatever we do. If you and I will do that, at least two of “them” will do what “they” should be doing!

“My mind withdrew its thoughts from experience, extracting itself from the contradictory throng of sensuous images, that it might find out what that light was wherein it was bathed… And thus, with the flash of one hurried glance, it attained to the vision of That Which Is.”
~Saint Augustine