Part One: Offering Praise To God: A Literary And Descriptive Analysis Of Psalm 148 -- By: Daniel T. Lioy

Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 24:1 (Sep 2017)
Article: Part One: Offering Praise To God: A Literary And Descriptive Analysis Of Psalm 148
Author: Daniel T. Lioy


Part One: Offering Praise To God: A Literary And Descriptive Analysis Of Psalm 148

Dan Lioy1

Abstract

This journal article is the first in a two-part series that adopts as its rationale the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The current essay undertakes a literary and descriptive analysis of Psalm 148, using as its incentive the first two of five well-known solas arising from the 95 theses Martin Luther (1483-1546) published in Wittenburg, Germany, in 1517. The first in the pentad emphasizes that glory alone belongs to God (in Latin, soli Deo gloria). The second in the pentad draws attention to Scripture as the fountainhead of divine revelation (in Latin, sola Scriptura). When the structure and content of Psalm 148 are examined (i.e. sola Scriptura), attentive readers discern that the major theme is giving heartfelt praise to God (i.e. soli Deo gloria).

1. Introduction

The year 2017 commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.2 In 1517, Martin Luther published his 95 Theses in Wittenburg, Germany.3 In turn, these eventually gave rise to the following five well-known solas (in Latin) that ministers of the Gospel have used as guidelines in their interpretation and application of scripture:4

  1. Soli Deo gloria: to God alone be glory
  2. Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone
  3. Solus Christus: Christ alone
  4. Sola fide: faith alone
  5. Sola gratia: grace alone

The first in the pentad reminds believers that to God alone is the glory. The second in the pentad focuses on the primacy of scripture. The premise is that while there are a variety of important ecclesiastical and scientific sources of information that merit critical engagement when studying the Judeo-Christian canon, pride of place rests with God’s Word. After all, it is the fountainhead of revelation for obtaining a theological understanding of matters involving the Creator and the entire universe He brought into existence, including humankind.

The preceding observations motivate a literary and descriptive analysis of Psalm 148.5 Specifica...

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