Psalm 98
Exhortations to sing praises are here prolonged. Views of
Christ's kingdom suggest ample topics. May they kindle holy warmth in our
hearts!
1. "O sing to the Lord a new song; for He has done
marvelous things; His right hand, and His holy arm, has gotten Him the
victory."
Praise can never be exhausted. The more we contemplate
the exploits of our Lord, the more we are moved to uplift adoration. The
lessons of yesterday are expanded by the lessons of today. Fresh discoveries
awaken new songs. But still no words can fully sing the wondrous works of
God. Wonder is inscribed on Creation in its every part, and on Providence in
its perpetual evolutions. But the wonders of Redeeming Love shine with the
brightest blaze. Here Christ appears the mighty conqueror. Hell and its
legion had usurped dominion over man. Many chains enthralled him. He was
bound in irons of captivity. Jesus undertakes the rescue. He leads captivity
captive, and saves His people from the cruel grasp. Alone He does the work.
He by Himself purges our sins. Alone He hangs upon the accursed tree. Alone
He tramples Satan beneath His feet. To Him be all the praise. In Him
salvation triumphs.
2-3. "The Lord has made known His salvation; His
righteousness has He openly shown in the sight of the heathen. He has
remembered His mercy and His truth toward the house of Israel; all the ends
of the earth have seen the salvation of our God."
His glorious victory is proclaimed throughout earth's
length and breadth. Those who dwell in heathen darkness shall hear the
wondrous tidings. All the gracious promises to Israel's sons shall be
abundantly fulfilled. Is mercy pledged? Mercy to the uttermost shall be
given. Every word of eternal truth shall be established. Salvation shall be
adored, wherever man draws breath.
4-6. "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing to the Lord with the
harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets, and sound of
cornet, make a joyful noise before the Lord the King."
The claims of the Lord upon resounding praise are here
exhibited in emphatic terms. When the heart and affections are thoroughly
engaged, every power will be used. Not only will the lips be loud in their
utterance, but everything which art can supply and instruments contribute
will be thus hallowed. Nothing will be withheld, which can with reverence
give aid.
7-9. "Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; the
world, and those who dwell in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the
hills be joyful together before the Lord; for He comes to judge the earth;
with righteousness shall He judge the world, and the people with equity."
Universal nature is next addressed. Everything which the
Lord made should in some sense be handmaid to His praise. Let us hear in the
roaring of the billows the acknowledgment of His Being. Let us see in the
forests and the hills evidence of His greatness. Above all let us praise Him
for the glories of His coming kingdom. Blessed be His holy name, He comes,
He surely comes, He quickly comes. He shall take to Himself His great power
and reign, and His kingdom shall be righteousness. Then earth will be one
wide expanse of universal joy. Nature will put on her renovated dress. The
sea in all its amplitude, the earth with all who occupy its space, the
floods, the hills, with joyful tongues will swell the triumph. Let us by
glad anticipation learn to take our part.