Hallelujah, sing praises to our God, for He is good. Isaiah said, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace" (Isaiah 52:7). But even in the heavens, they fear me, as it says, "Praise Him, all his angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts" (Psalm 148:2). When is God exalted?
When the horn of Israel is lifted up, as it says, "I will cut off all the horns of the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up" (Psalm 75:11). Therefore it is said, "And He exalted the horn of His people" (Psalm 148:14). Why is Israel compared to a horn? Just as a horn is placed at the top of the head, so too is Israel appointed as the head over all nations, as it says, "The Lord will make you the head, not the tail" (Deuteronomy 28:13).
Therefore, "He exalted the horn of His people." Who are His close people? The people who draw near to Him through the commandments, the people who are closer to God than any other nation, as it says, "But as for me, it is good to be near God" (Psalm 73:28). Therefore it is said to the children of Israel, "His close people."