This is entitled simply “A Psalm.” But who is its author is unknown. It is similar in its design and structure to the group of Psalms Ps. 95–100 in which it is found. Dr. Horsley, in accordance with the views which he has of the design of the group (see the Introduction to Psalms 97:1), supposes tha... [ Continue Reading ]
O SING UNTO THE LORD A NEW SONG - Compare Psalms 33:3; Psalms 96:1. “For he hath done marvelous things.” Things suited to excite wonder, or to fill the mind with astonishment. See Psalms 77:14; Psalms 86:10. HIS RIGHT HAND - The instrument by which we execute any purpose. Compare Isaiah 59:16; Isai... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD HATH MADE KNOWN HIS SALVATION - See the notes at Isaiah 52:10. This does not mean that he had merely “proclaimed” his salvation, or his willingness to save, but that he had shown his salvation - his power to save - by some public act. What the particular act referred to here was, it is impo... [ Continue Reading ]
HE HATH REMEMBERED HIS MERCY - Compare the notes at Luke 1:54 (note), Luke 1:72 (note), where this passage in the Psalms was not improbably referred to by Mary and Zacharias. The idea is, that God had called to mind his promise of mercy to his people; that he had not suffered it to pass out of his r... [ Continue Reading ]
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD - By singing; by instruments of music. See the notes at Psalms 95:1. ALL THE EARTH - All lands. The event is of sufficient importance to be celebrated by all nations. It is a matter of universal exultation and joy. MAKE A LOUD NOISE - The word used here - פצח _pât... [ Continue Reading ]
SING UNTO THE LORD WITH THE HARP - A song or psalm accompanied by the harp. On the harp. See the notes at Isaiah 5:12. AND THE VOICE OF A PSALM - The voice in singing; a musical voice. Let it not be mere instrumental music, but let that be accompanied with the voice uttering intelligible sounds or... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH TRUMPETS - The word used here is uniformly rendered “trumpets” in the Scriptures. Numbers 10:2, Numbers 10:8; Numbers 31:6; et al. The trumpet was mainly employed for convening a public assembly for worship, or for assembling the hosts for battle. The original word - חצצרה _chătsôts__e__râh_... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THE SEA ROAR, AND THE FULNESS THEREOF - See the notes at Psalms 96:11. THE WORLD, AND THEY THAT DWELL THEREIN - The habitable world - the land - in contradistinction from the sea. Let there be universal praise on the water and the land.... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THE FLOODS CLAP THEIR HANDS - The rivers. Let them join in the universal praise. As if conscious of their beauty, their grandeur, their usefulness; as if sensible that all this was conferred by God; as if rejoicing in the goodness of God manifested to them, and through them, let them unite in th... [ Continue Reading ]
BEFORE THE LORD, FOR HE COMETH TO JUDGE THE EARTH ... - This verse is essentially the same as Psalms 96:13. See the notes at that verse. The psalm calls for universal praise. The very “reading” of the psalm - so joyous - so jubilant - so animated - so exulting - is suited to awaken the mind to prais... [ Continue Reading ]