Ver. 21. He is thy praise— That is, "It is he whom you ought to praise without ceasing; or rather, it is he whose protection makes your glory. Nothing in the world can or ought to appear more honourable, than to have him for your God." See Psalms 106:20.
REFLECTIONS.—Mercies like those above mentioned, no doubt, deserve the warmest returns of gratitude and duty. We have here, 1. These reasonable demands of God upon them described. To fear him, because his majesty is glorious, his wrath dreadful, and his mercy great. To love him, with supreme desire after him, with delight in him beyond all things, and with growing conformity of our souls to his image. To serve him with that cheerful, universal, happy obedience, which love dictates, making his service perfect freedom. To keep his commandments, without reserve, or murmuring. To circumcise the foreskin of their hearts, by putting off the old man, which is corrupt, with the affections and lusts, and neither sparing, nor desiring to spare, the least filthiness or superfluity of naughtiness in the heart. Not stiff-necked, but humble, and cheerfully submissive to the rod of correction, as to the yoke of obedience. Swearing by his name, as the only omniscient God, to whom such appeal should be made; and cleaving to him with unshaken fidelity, and persevering steadfastness; withal extending their regard to their neighbours, and loving even the stranger, who is the object of God's regard, and should be of their's; especially when they considered their own desolate estate in Egypt, where God so graciously, as a father, relieved them of their distresses. Fellowship in suffering should be an argument to pity and relieve the afflicted. Note; Israel's duty is our own, and all this does the Lord our God require of every one of his spiritual Israel. 2. There is the greater justice and suitableness in this conduct towards God; because God is glorious above all gods, mighty to protect and bless, and terrible to punish; above all partiality to persons, and possessing all power in heaven and earth, whether to reward the fidelity of his people, or to execute vengeance on his enemies: full of grace towards the poor and destitute; tender of his own Israel, and the object of their just praises. Note; Every view of God in his glorious perfections, is an argument to love and serve him.