Ver. 3. Because I will publish the name of the Lord— Houbigant renders it, Whilst I shall celebrate the name of the Lord; which seems to be right. Moses's subject is the celebration of the great Jehovah; and to this great subject he calls the heavens and the earth to be attentive: at the same time exhorting the people to join with him in the exalted theme, and to celebrate the infinite power and supreme dominion of the great object of their adoration.
Ascribe ye greatness unto our God— The word, which we render ascribe, imports the abundance and earnestness of praise, according to Vitringa and Venema. See Vitringa's Comment on this chapter, published by Herman Venema, Harling. 1734. 4to.
REFLECTIONS.—Moses opens his important Song of Song of Solomon 1. With a solemn appeal to heaven and earth for the truth of his word, and the justice of the divine procedure; or, as if, more attentive than this stupid people, they would sooner hear and obey him. His doctrine is described as dropping as the rain, even as the gentle showers to refresh the parched ground; and the influence of it like the small rain on the tender grass, descending softly, and sweetly insinuating into the affections. Such is the Gospel of Jesus, cooling the parched conscience burnt up with the wrath of God, causing the heart to yield its fruit, and where-ever received making the inward man to flourish as a green field. 2. The reason is given for the audience and attention he demands, because of the greatness and glory of that God whose name he was about to proclaim. Note; The higher thoughts we entertain of God, the more shall we be afraid to sin, and the readier to submit to every providence, and to own the justice of every afflictive dispensation.