Psalms 100

Psalms 100:1-5

Universal Praise Psalms 100:1-5 If we could enter into the spirit of this psalm, every day would be a Thanksgiving Day. The psalmist invites all the earth to enter into the courts of God’ s house with joyful songs. In many of the Psalms the minor chords overpower the major ones, and weeping prevails over rejoicing. But this psalm is full of unclouded sunlight. The reason for this gladness is suggested in the words: We are His: His by creation, by providence, and by grace; and His also by the glad consecration of our hearts to His service. We belong to Him by right; it is for us to see to it that we are also His by choice. And His ownership involves His shepherd-care. We are His flock; it is for Him to lead us into green pastures and beside still waters. To the psalmist’ s eye the nations of the world pour into the Temple through the wide-open portals. “ Hark!” he cries. “ Listen to the burst of thanksgivings which roll forth from the mighty throng!” The great attraction is the goodness of Jehovah, and the everlastingness of His love and troth. This psalm reveals the true genius of religion. We cannot be satisfied till all men share our knowledge of the love of God. There is nothing which will better promote the true happiness and gladness of mankind.

With thanksgiving! In the previous Psalm there is a commendation of our Lord Jesus and of the majesty of his kingdom. In this there is an exhortation based on that royal conception, for “all the earth” to worship Him. It is full of holy rapture and has inspired hearts to love and worship through all ages. May our hearts be in tune with the anthem of the universal church, as we peruse these noble and majestic words! But it may be that it has been specially prepared as an anthem for use in that golden coming time, when the kingdoms of this world shall indeed have become the kingdoms of the Son of Man.

Psalms 100:1. All ye lands! It is especially on the Lord’s day that the devout heart thinks of all the lands of men on whom its blessed light is breaking, and asks that the “joyful noise” of loyal and glad hearts may rise from each. All lands have been included in the purchase of Calvary; let all sing! (Revelation 7:9).

Psalms 100:2. Serve the Lord with gladness! … with singing! God’ s service is glad–joyous, blessed, perfect freedom. Let us not do his will grudgingly, but gladly.

Psalms 100:3. Know ye that Jehovah is Elohim: that the Self-existent One is also the Almighty One! The more we know God, the more able shall we be to praise Him. Notice the themes for praise:– (1) That He is God: the only living and true God; infinitely perfect; self-existent and self-sufficient; the Father of mercies, tender and true, loving and strong–Oh, rapture indeed, that such a one is God!

(2) That He is our Creator: because as such He is responsible for us.

(3) That He is our Proprietor: He hath made us; and we are his (R.V.).

(4) That we are his people: owning Him, therefore, as our liege Lord and King. “Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion: thy King cometh!” (Zechariah 9:9).

(5) That He is our Shepherd: and it is the Shepherd’s part to care–not the sheep’s. Psalms 100:4. Enter into his gates! We specially enter his gates, when we mingle with the assemblies of his people. Put on the garment of praise with other Sunday attire!

Psalms 100:5. The Lord is good! Yes, good always and only. Equally so when He takes as when He gives; when He chides as when He smiles. And what He has been, He will be. He is the “faithful” God (1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 4:19). Praise Him!