Bible Commentaries

Psalm 100:1-5. Title. " There is no other psalm hath the " like title with this; which is called " A Psalm of praise," " or rather of thanksgiving, and acknowledgment for " divine blessings, as the word is translated Psalm 5:4, and in " most other places. ...The Hebrews imagine ... it was peculiarly appointed to be sung, when the sacrifices of " thanksgiving were offered." Bp. Patrick.

(Notes, Psalm 116:17-19. Leviticus 7:12-18. Jeremiah 33:10-11, v11 Hebrews 13:15-16.)

V:1. The Psalmist " invites all the world to join with the Israelites, in the service of him, who was kind and gracious to them beyond expression. Accordingly, we " Christians now properly use it, in acknowledgment of " God's wonderful love to us in Christ; by whom we offer " up continually spiritual sacrifices, for redeeming us by " the sacrifice he made of himself; for making the world " anew, and creating us again unto good works, according to his faithful promises, which we may depend upon for ever." Bp. Patrick. All ye lands.] Notes, Psalm 66:1-3; Psalm 117:1-2 : P. O.

Joyful noise.] The sound of the trumpets, at the beginning of the Jubilee, seems alluded to.

(Notes, Psalm 89:15-18. Leviticus 25:8-13.)

V:2. These reiterated calls to joy and gladness, in serving God, should not pass unnoticed : for they shew, that exalted piety is the most abundant source of true rejoicing : and that sorrow and dejection do not spring from piety, even in religious persons; but arise from the want of more religion, and from occasional circumstances.

(Marg. Ref. Notes, Psalm 33:1. Romans 14:13-18; Romans 5:17 Galatians 5:22-26. Philippians 4:4. 1 Peter 1:8-9.)

V:3. Some versions render this verse as follows : " Acknowledge that JEHOVAH is God : It is Deuteronomy 7:6-8. 1 Samuel 12:22. John 15:12-16.) Sheep, 100: (Notes, 23: Psalm 95:1. Ezekiel 34:23-31. John 10:26-31.) " To deny that we created our" selves, is altogether needless : but that it is not to be " ascribed to our industry or wit, that we are raised to a " happy condition, is a proper expression of humility."

Bp. Patrick. " He chiefly means touching die spiritual " regeneration, whereby we are his sheep and people."

(Notes, John 3:7-8. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6. Titus 3:4 . James 1:16-18.) The marginal reading, His we are. requires an alteration in the original text. V:4. Marg. Ref. Notes, Psalm 95:1-2.

V:5. " " JEHOVAH is good : " he is the source of all " beauty and perfection in the creature; how altogether " lovely must he needs be in himself! " His mercy is " everlasting," extending through time into eternity : " " and his truth," or his fidelity in accomplishing his promises, " endureth to all generations," evidenced to the " whole race of mankind, from Adam to his last born son. " The Psalm 103:15-18. Psalm 136:13. John 1:17. 1 John 4:7-8.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

The service of God would be the delight of all rational creatures, did they all know and love his glorious excellences, and were they sensible of their immense obligations to him. As far as we on earth take pleasure in worshipping him, and can serve him with gladness of heart, and songs of fervent praise; we emulate the employment, and anticipate the joys of heaven. Let us then study to know more and more fully the glorious and eternal JEHOVAH, as our Creator, and the God in whom we live, and move, and are; by whose arm we are upheld, and on whose bounty we are fed; and then we shall understand how reasonable it is, that we should be thankful and obedient to him. But if we can also say, " And when like wandering sheep we strayed, " He brought us to his fold again; " Watts. we shall have abundant cause " to enter into his courts " with praise, to be thankful to him, and to bless his " name." His goodness to us has been great beyond expression : the effects of his mercy will be everlasting to our souls; and his faithfulness is the perpetual security, for the performance of his largest promises. And, as JEHOVAH's truth and mercy endure forever; sinners of every land should be invited to come and rejoice in his salvation. In the fulness of time the Gentiles were admitted into the Christian church, in performance of the Old Testament prophecies, but contrary to the narrow expectations of the Jews : and assuredly the inhabitants of all lands will ere long come, and " make a joyful noise " before God our Saviour." So that this song of praise should be considered as a prophecy, and even used as a prayer, for the coming of that time, when all people shall " know that the LORD he is God," and shall become his worshippers and " the sheep of his pasture."