King James Version
What Does Psalms 148:9 Mean?
“Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:”
Psalms 148:9 · KJV
Context
7
Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
8
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
9
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
10
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: flying: Heb. birds of wing
11
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryMountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: The psalm's summons to praise descends from atmospheric phenomena (v. 8) to terrestrial topography and vegetation. The Hebrew pairs large and small in parallel poetry: "mountains and all hills" (heharim vekhol geva'ot, הֶהָרִים וְכָל־גְּבָעוֹת) encompasses major peaks and minor elevations, while "fruitful trees and all cedars" (etz peri vekhol arazim, עֵץ פְּרִי וְכָל־אֲרָזִים) includes cultivated orchards and wild forest giants.
Mountains represent permanence and majesty. Psalm 125:1-2 compares God's people to Mount Zion, "which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people." Cedars of Lebanon were famed for strength and longevity, used in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 5:6-10). These enduring features of creation are called to praise—not because they consciously worship but because their existence and function glorify the Creator.
The inclusion of "fruitful trees" (etz peri) emphasizes utility alongside beauty. Fruit-bearing trees fulfill their purpose by providing sustenance, demonstrating God's provision through creation's design. Jesus cursed the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21) and taught that believers should bear fruit (John 15:1-8). Creation's fruitfulness points to spiritual fruitfulness expected of God's people.
Mountains represent permanence and majesty. Psalm 125:1-2 compares God's people to Mount Zion, "which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people." Cedars of Lebanon were famed for strength and longevity, used in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 5:6-10). These enduring features of creation are called to praise—not because they consciously worship but because their existence and function glorify the Creator.
The inclusion of "fruitful trees" (etz peri) emphasizes utility alongside beauty. Fruit-bearing trees fulfill their purpose by providing sustenance, demonstrating God's provision through creation's design. Jesus cursed the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21) and taught that believers should bear fruit (John 15:1-8). Creation's fruitfulness points to spiritual fruitfulness expected of God's people.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel's geography included diverse terrain—coastal plains, central highlands, Jordan Valley, Negev desert. Mountains like Carmel, Tabor, and Hermon were prominent landmarks. Forests, though less extensive than in earlier periods, provided crucial timber. Fruit trees (olive, fig, date, pomegranate, grape) were central to agricultural economy. The psalmist's catalog reflects intimate familiarity with Palestinian ecology, using local geography to teach universal theology about creation's purpose in glorifying God.
Reflection Questions
- How does creation's diversity—from mountains to hills, fruit trees to cedars—reflect God's creative abundance and wisdom?
- In what sense do inanimate objects like mountains and trees 'praise' God, and what does this teach about worship's nature?
- What does the inclusion of 'fruitful trees' suggest about the relationship between utility, beauty, and worship in creation?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsוְכָל2 of 7
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְכָל6 of 7
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 148:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 148:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge