The opening lines of this psalm are among the most quoted in all of the psalter.  The psalmist boldly proclaims that God's praises are being sung by every aspect of creation around us.

In it's cultural context, the psalmist is also taking a not-so-subtle jibe at the pagan gods worshipped by surrounding cultures.  The gods are portrayed as part of a heavenly chorus that gives praise to the one true God of the universe.  Even the Sun, revered by many cultures as the greatest of the gods, is bound by the whims of the LORD.

Verses 7-11 comprise a new section of the psalm, giving praise to God's divine word.  A battery of synonyms is called upon, each given more lavish praise than the last.

The closing verses constitute a prayer by the author for God to open the scret places of the heart and create purity and righteousness there.