C. This liturgic psalm, which as a hymn is so universally known and loved, is composed of four verses of triplets. Even when performed in the Temple, amid the exclusive notes of Judaism, its opening words must have inspired something of that catholic sentiment which pervades a congregation when singing what we know as the “Old Hundredth.” Title.—Of praise.—Better, for thanks, or, possibly for the thankoffering, i.e., especially adapted for that particular ceremony. At all events it is a liturgical direction. LXX., “for (Vulg., in) confession.”
A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. (1) Make a joyful noise.—See Psalm 98:4.All ye lands.—Or, all the earth.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (3) And not we ourselves.—Most commentators now prefer the reading “His we are,” as keeping the parallelism better, besides having great MS. support. The concluding part of the verse is an echo of Psalm 95:7.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. |
    |