DECLARE HIS GLORY AMONG THE NATIONS

The psalm is based on the psalm of David recorded in 1 Chronicles 16. 7-36, when “David delivered first this psalm to thank the Lord into the hand of Asaph and his brethren”. It was the occasion when the ark was brought to mount Zion.

The two psalms contain much of the glory of God. First David had a great desire that others should know about his God—“declare his glory among the heathen (nations, R.V.)”, v. 3. His statement is backed by two great facts: first that His works are marvellous, and secondly that “all the gods of the peoples are things of nought”, v. 5 R.V. marg. The greatness of God in making the heavens, v. 5, and the nothingness of the gods of the nations are to David irrefutable arguments for the superiority of Jehovah, the God of Israel. Thus he says, “give unto the Lord (Jehovah) the glory due unto his name”, v. 8.

Israel had a place to meet God and to inquire of Him; this is described in verses 6, 8 as “his sanctuary” and “his courts”. Here His character is shown forth as “honour and majesty”, “strength and beauty”, v. 6. Equally, those who come to worship must do so in the light of His character, and “bring an offering … in the beauty of holiness”, vv. 8, 9.

Aaron’s holy garments and those of his sons were “for glory and for beauty”, Exod. 28. 2. These garments were to “consecrate him”, 28. 3, that is, to make them holy, or to set apart for divine service. These garments were made of “gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen”, 28. 5, that is, the same material exactly as the tabernacle interior that surrounded them as they served. Thus Aaron had a beauty not his own, so that he was completely fitted for the place, for “holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever”, Psa. 93. 5.

Worship, as always, is followed by testimony, “O worship the Lord”, v. 9, “say among the heathen, that the Lord reigneth”, v. 10, and “the Lord … cometh to judge the earth”, v. 13.

God’s gospel shows forth His glory; it is the “gospel of the glory of the blessed God”, 1 Tim. 1. 11 Newberry marg.; see also 2 Cor. 4. 4. We too can worship God and bring our offerings, but we worship “in spirit and in truth”, John 4. 24, and we offer “the sacrifice of praise”. Our clothing is “the righteousness of God”, garments of beauty for priests today.