As we step into
our study this week of Psalm 33 we notice there is no given title.
I want to entitle it The Praise Of Jehovah. This Psalm
praises Him as the Creator and Controller of all things.
In verses 1-3 the
Psalmist deals with The Command Of Worship. Our study text
says, Rejoice
in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with psaltery and an
instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully
with a loud noise.
In verse 1 we have The
Instruction Of Worship. We are instructed to Rejoice in
the LORD, The word rejoice means to shout aloud, loud
cries of triumph. We notice this rejoicing is not an emotional out
break but it comes from the position we find ourselves in, the
position of being In The Lord. We are called in the text,
the righteous. The word speaks of those who are perfect,
spotless, and without stain because of our position in Him. Truly,
this is great ground from which to rejoice. We are also instructed
to praise Him. The word praise means hymns of
solemn laudation. We are told that this activity of praise is comely
for the upright. Our word comely means homely, suitable,
and very becoming in beauty. When we praise and rejoice our Lord
finds us beautiful in His sight. For the lost to praise Him is
like a jewel of gold in a pigs snout. Praise is the wedding dress
of the saint in heaven. Let us try it on for a proper fit while
here below. (Spurgeon)
In verse 2 we are
confronted with The Instruments Of Worship. The Psalmist
mentioned the harp, the psaltery, and the instruments
of strings. The ten strings would speak of a full octave,
which tells us all notes on all music belong only to Him alone. We
have no right to sing to anyone save Him alone. Music was created
for His glory and not mans. The greatest of instruments is the
mouth. The Psalmist tells us to sing unto him. The
greatest singing I have ever heard is a cappella singing with voices
that sound as fine tuned instruments.
In verse 3a we have,
The Imagination Of Worship. We are told to sing unto the
Lord a new song. The word new speaks of a rare,
fresh, or never heard before song. It is a song that calls for
thought. There are seven new songs in the Bible. Psalm 33:3, 40:3,
96:1, 98:1, 144:9, 149:9, 149:1, and Isaiah 42:10. Let us meditate
upon these thoughts and express these in our worship unto Him. Let
our imagination run wild as we ponder His bigness with awe.
In verse 3b we have
The Indictment Of Worship. The text tells us to play skillfully.
The phrase has the idea of giving the very best of your best. When
we go to worship let us not do it with mind out of gear. Let us
give great thought to our worship. Let us do it with all our
might.
In verse 3c we are
told of The Increases Of Worship. We are told to sing with
a loud noise or at the top of our voice. Our Lord loves loud
singing and so do I. When we worship let us increase the volume.
I am well aware that
many of us worship in different ways. I practice introverted
worship. I usually sit glued in one place and weep uncontrollably
if God gets on me. Let us be assured God has commanded us to
worship and we cannot do it while looking like a bump on a log!
