All are invited and equipped to glorify God, regardless of their age or status.
In Psalm 148, the psalmist calls upon all people—indeed, all created beings—to join in praising the LORD. As part of this sweeping invitation, the verse declares, “Both young men and virgins; Old men and children” (v.12). By naming these groups, the psalmist exemplifies the diversity and breadth of those summoned to worship—from youthful vigor to seasoned maturity, and from those who are building new households to the youngest members of society. The Book of Psalms, which contains this passage, was compiled across several centuries (likely from around 1000 BC, during King David’s reign, to a period after the return from exile in the 5th century BC). Though we do not have a specific author for Psalm 148, it sits in the context of ancient Israel’s worship literature. There are no immediate geographical locations mentioned here, but this psalm would have been sung within the land of Israel, particularly around Jerusalem, reminding believers in surrounding regions that God’s praise is central for everyone.
When the psalmist addresses “both young men and virgins; Old men and children” (v.12), he underscores that no one is exempt from praising the Lord. This unifying theme can be linked to the New Testament, where Jesus Himself welcomes and commends the praise of children, affirming that their voices fulfill the purpose of honoring God (Matthew 21:15-16). Even though this verse does not mention a specific individual, it reveals a timeless principle: God’s people—of every station and age—share a corporate responsibility to worship. The words reflect continuity with the rest of Scripture, where all generations are often instructed to join in acknowledging God’s greatness.
By highlighting “Both young men and virgins; Old men and children” (v.12), the psalm creates a comprehensive picture of praise directed toward the one true God. The mention of multiple ages and life stages ensures that no segment of society is overlooked in the call to exalt the Creator. This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative that insists all are welcomed and encouraged to come before the Lord in worship. Such inclusive praise knits together the people of God in unity, offering a foretaste of the universal adoration that belongs to Him.
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Psalms 148:12 meaning
In Psalm 148, the psalmist calls upon all people—indeed, all created beings—to join in praising the LORD. As part of this sweeping invitation, the verse declares, “Both young men and virgins; Old men and children” (v.12). By naming these groups, the psalmist exemplifies the diversity and breadth of those summoned to worship—from youthful vigor to seasoned maturity, and from those who are building new households to the youngest members of society. The Book of Psalms, which contains this passage, was compiled across several centuries (likely from around 1000 BC, during King David’s reign, to a period after the return from exile in the 5th century BC). Though we do not have a specific author for Psalm 148, it sits in the context of ancient Israel’s worship literature. There are no immediate geographical locations mentioned here, but this psalm would have been sung within the land of Israel, particularly around Jerusalem, reminding believers in surrounding regions that God’s praise is central for everyone.
When the psalmist addresses “both young men and virgins; Old men and children” (v.12), he underscores that no one is exempt from praising the Lord. This unifying theme can be linked to the New Testament, where Jesus Himself welcomes and commends the praise of children, affirming that their voices fulfill the purpose of honoring God (Matthew 21:15-16). Even though this verse does not mention a specific individual, it reveals a timeless principle: God’s people—of every station and age—share a corporate responsibility to worship. The words reflect continuity with the rest of Scripture, where all generations are often instructed to join in acknowledging God’s greatness.
By highlighting “Both young men and virgins; Old men and children” (v.12), the psalm creates a comprehensive picture of praise directed toward the one true God. The mention of multiple ages and life stages ensures that no segment of society is overlooked in the call to exalt the Creator. This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative that insists all are welcomed and encouraged to come before the Lord in worship. Such inclusive praise knits together the people of God in unity, offering a foretaste of the universal adoration that belongs to Him.