Gleanings in the Psalms

Title. – A Psalm or song for the Sabbath-Day. This admirable composition is both a Psalm and a Song, full of equal measures of solemnity and joy; and it was intended to be sung upon the day of rest. The subject is the praise of God; praise is Sabbatic work, the joyful occupation of resting hearts. Since a true Sabbath can only be found in God, it is wise to meditate upon him on the Sabbath-day. The style is worthy of the theme and of the day, it's inspiration is from the "fount of every blessing;" David spake as the Spirit gave him utterance. In the church of Christ at this hour, no Psalm is more frequently sung upon the Lord's Day than the present. The delightful version of Dr Watts is familiar to us all –

Verse 1. "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High."

Singing is the music of nature. The scriptures tell us, the mountains sing (Isaiah 44:23); the valleys sing (Psalm 65:13); the trees of the wood sing (1st Chronicles 16:33). Nay, the air is the birds' music-room, where they chant their musical notes.

Singing is the music of ordinances. Augustine reports of himself, that when he came to Milan and heard the people sing he wept for joy in the church to hear that pleasing melody. And Beza confesses, that at this first entrance into the congregation, and hearing them sing Psalm 91, he felt himself exceedingly comforted, and did retain the sound of it afterwards upon his heart. The Rabbis tell us that the Jews, after the Feast of the Passover was celebrated, sang Psalm 113 and the five following; and our Saviour and His apostles "sang a hymn" immediately after the blessed supper. (Matthew 26:30).

Singing is the music of saints. They have performed this duty –
(1) In their greatest numbers, (Psalm 149:1).
(2) In their greatest straits, (Isaiah 26:19).
(3) In their greatest flights, (Isaiah 42:10-11).
(4) In their greatest deliverances, (Isaiah 65:14).
(5) In their greatest plenties.

In all these changes singing has been their stated duty and delight. And, indeed, it is meet that the saints and servants of God should sing forth their joys and praises to the Lord Almighty for every attribute of Him can set both their song and their tune.

Singing is the music of angels. Job tells us, "The morning stars sang together, (Job 37:7). Nay, when this heavenly host was sent to proclaim the birth of our dearest Jesus, they delivered their message in this raised way of duty, (Luke 2:13). Nay, in heaven, thee is the angels' joyous music, there they sing Hallelujahs to the Most High, and to the Lamb who sits upon the throne, (Revealation 5:11-12).

Singing is the music of heaven. The glorious saints and angels both assent their praise in this way, and make one harmony in their state of blessedness; and this is the music of the bride chamber, (Revelation 15:3). The saints who were tuning their psalms here below are now singing hallelujahs in a louder strain, and articulating their joys, which here they could not express to their perfect satisfaction. Here they laboured with drowsy hearts and faltering tongues; but in glory these impediments are removed, and nothing is left to jar their joyous celebrations.

Verse 1. "It is a good thing to give thanks ...." Giving thanks is more noble and perfect in itself than petition; because in petition it is often our own good that is eyed and regarded, but in the giving of thanks, only God's honour. The Lord Jesus taught, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Now, and end-product of petition is to "receive" some good from God; but the sole end of thanks is to "give" glory unto God.

Verse 2. "To show forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night." Every new day that dawns for us expresses the "lovingkindness" of the Lord in permitting us to see it, and every night that ends expresses the "faithfulness" of the Lord in keeping us through that night. Therefore, both ends of the day give us fuel for praise.

(To be Continued)