Bible Commentaries

Title. A psalm of praise, or thanksgiving. Chaldee, “for the sacrifice of confession.” The subject appears to be general, and has received no particular application. There is not the slightest ground for supposing this psalm to have been written after the Babylonish captivity.

Psalms 100:1. Make a joyful noise. The sublimity of the subject demands the highest vocal powers. The Hebrews sung with heart and voice, and virtually reprove our modern theatrical tunes, and sombrous airs.—All ye lands, all the habitations of the earth. Enter his courts with praise, for he feeds us with good things. This is a song of welcome to the Hebrew festivals.

Psalms 100:3. He hath made us, and not we ourselves. This is God’s first claim to our service. Men act as if they were their own masters, and could scarcely claim greater independence, had they even created themselves. It is necessary therefore, that they should be reminded of the claims of their Maker.

REFLECTIONS.

This bold and beautiful psalm was written in a high spirit of prophecy. Consonant to the covenant, and to all the prophets, it invites the gentile world to participate with the Hebrew nation in their joys and devotion. It disparages a gloomy worship; for the tears of repentance should always crystallize into the joys of remission. Hence the gentiles are exhorted to serve the Lord with gladness, and with songs. What else should be the sentiments of the christian church, when both jews and gentiles are made the children of God, and the firstborn of Mount Zion which is above?

The gentiles are farther exhorted to know and acknowledge that JEHOVAH, and he alone, is the maker and ruler of heaven and earth; for all enlightening worship is founded on sanctifying views of the divine perfections. Such a knowledge of the one true and eternal God, makes way for a belief in the godhead, and in christianity at large.

The gentiles are invited to worship with the Jews, because they were the Lord’s people, and the sheep of his pasture. These are the very arguments which St. John employs to the same effect. “These things write I unto you, that ye may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” Truly, the poor lost sheep are invited to the happy fold and family of heaven.

It exhorts them to a grateful and constant attendance on public worship. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. So the christian church, which is now his temple, opens her arms to all who shall come with a willing mind, and fervently join in glorifying the Lord and Maker of heaven and earth, whose goodness and mercy endure for ever.