Psalms 100:2 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Psalms 100:2

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Service with gladness.

"Make a joyful noise;" "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing." It does not appear that anything in the nature of a song service was connected with the Mosaic tabernacle. David systematized, if he did not actually introduce, that element. And it made a vital change. Previously the Divine worship had been a ceremony; from that time it became a service. Previously it had been an affair exclusively of priests; from that time it became an affair of priests and people. Singing is the portion of service in which the people can share. Instrumental music, in the olden time, was not the refined expression of various moods of feelings that we know. Noise was thought more of than harmony; though the stringed instruments must have been capable of delicate expression. Just as children now express their joy by noisy "hurrahs!" so the Hebrews expressed joy by great shouts, loud blasts, and noisy clangings. What we may properly learn is that the elements of joy and gladness, which find their easiest and best expression in music and song, are the proper accompaniment of all worship offered to God. It has been pointed out that "thanksgiving and praise are the higher elements of worship, and so the essence of the worship of heaven;" confession and prayer belong to the imperfection of earth.

I. GLADNESS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD'S HOUSE IS BECOMING. In view of God's gracious ways with us. They who receive gifts from friends are cheered and gladdened by the gifts; and we are receiving fresh gifts from our heavenly Friend continually. Dulness and sadness would say that God's favours are little valued. As the thing that is fitting, becoming, God's people should nourish a bright, cheery, hopeful, happy spirit.

II. GLADNESS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD'S HOUSE IS HONOURING. Note that it has ever been this feature that has made Divine service attractive. And the supreme anxiety of each generation has been to get brightness into its service that will make it attractive. So joy in God's house honours God by winning men to him.

III. GLADNESS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD'S HOUSE IS INSPIRING. We are consciously helped by sunny cheerful services. Nothing carries away our cares, doubts, fears, like joining together in holy song. "The joy of the Lord is our strength."—R.T.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotional Save my progress

More for Psalms 100:2

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Psalms 100 — OverviewPsalms 100 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIt is with good reason that many sing this psalm very frequently in their religious assemblies, for it is very proper both to express and to excite pious and devout affections towards God in our approach to him…Psalms 100 — OverviewPsalms 100 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 100:1, An exhortation to praise God, cheerfully, Psalms 100:3, for his greatness; Psalms 100:4, and for his power. Psalms 145:1 *title Psalms 100 — OverviewPsalms 100 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BiblePsalm of Praise. The Arabic version ascribes this psalm to David, and very likely it is one of his: the Targum calls it"a hymn for the sacrifice of thanksgiving;''and so Jarchi. It is supposed to have been used when…Psalms 100:1-5Psalms 100:1-5 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHere, I. The exhortations to praise are very importunate. The psalm does indeed answer to the title, A psalm of praise; it begins with that call which of late we have several times met with (v. 1), Make a joyful…Psalms 100:1-5Psalms 100:1-5 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION THE hundredth psalm has for its title, "A Psalm of praise," or "of thanksgiving," and to this description it well answers. There is not a single mournful note in the composition. God is praised from the…Psalms 100:1-5Psalms 100:1-5 · The Pulpit CommentaryJubilate. This psalm, which comes at the close of the magnificent series of royal psalms, which tell of the reign of Christ Jehovah, has been called their doxology. It seems to have been sung during the thank offering…

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.