The scope of this psalm, taken altogether, is to celebrate the praises of Jehovah, and especially in his covenant love to his redeemed. Hence he is to be praised for the glories of his own name, for his mercies in creation, in redemption, in providence, and in grace. These glorious acts of the Lord are to be proclaimed throughout the earth that the whole heathen world may rejoice: and surely they will rejoice that seek the Lord. Then comes in the praises of his name for his covenant-love and mercy, of which he had been ever mindful, and whereby he hath proved his faithfulness. The mercies of redemption in Egypt come next, in this sweet song, to be celebrated: when the people were but few, and those few strangers; yet such was the love of Jehovah, that none were suffered to hurt his redeemed. So that the Psalm calls upon all the redeemed to this service, and that from day to day. This is a sweet thought, because the salvation is all along considered in the church with an eye to Christ. And when the Psalm had thus called upon Israel in a more eminent and exalted manner, all creation are invited to join in the universal chorus; and finally all sing aloud, Amen. It must have formed a most interesting sight to have been present at such a solemnity. The instruments used upon this occasion were suited to the dispensation in which the church then was. But I find no authority in our New Testament dispensation for such things. I rather fear, if men were true to their principles, that gracious souls could not be pleased with the use of them. They were never (I venture to believe) found the means of leading the heart to God; but I venture to assert, that they have in numberless instances led the heart from God. The harmony of organs, flutes, and fiddles, may, and will suit carnal ordinances; but they who worship God in spirit, need only the Spirit's leadings to worship God in spirit and in truth.
1 Chronicles 16:8-36
8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;
16 Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;
17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,
18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lotb of your inheritance;
19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.
20 And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;
21 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,
22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.
24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.
25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.
33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.
34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.
36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.