IN HIS TEMPLE EVERYTHING SAITH GLORY

David once again sees the glory of God in His creation and in His house, and celebrates it in both, calling upon others to do so also, v. 1 R.V. marg.

Glory and strength are to be given (attributed) to the Lord because it is due to Him. Man’s dues as creature are here plainly stated. To display His glory is the clear aim of man, even though he constantly comes short of it, Rom. 3. 23.

Giving this glory and strength leads to worship, that is, expressing to God our appreciation of all that He is and has done. Once again though, we learn that there must be a proper spiritual environment of worship, v. 2. This latter expression is rendered “in his glorious sanctuary” in the A.V. margin, and “in holy array” in the R.V. margin. Putting all these thoughts together, and bearing in mind other scriptural teaching, we see that worship is to be carried out in the right place, and also in the right way. For us today, we remember the words of the Lord Jesus that those who worship the Father must do so in spirit and in truth, John 4. 24.

The greatness and glory of God in creation is seen in this psalm predominantly in the fierce thunder storms that are experienced in the Middle East. To David it was the glory of God that thundered, being “the voice of the Lord … full of majesty”, vv. 3, 4. It had powerful effects on the mightiest of trees, the cedars of Lebanon and on the highest mountains, Lebanon and Sirion (i.e., Hermon). It is seen to the west of Israel (the many waters of the Mediterranean), to the east (the wilderness, v. 8), to the south (the wilderness of Kadesh) and to the north (Lebanon and Hermon).

Quite suddenly, David moves his attention to the anticipated temple, where “everything saith, glory”, v. 9 R.V. Study of the tabernacle and temple is hence very rewarding! David’s mind moves again, this time back to the flood, where the Lord sat as King, v. 10 R.V., and eventually on to peace at the end of the psalm.

Through the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, peace has been made, Col. 1. 20. He left this peace to His own, John 14. 27, so that amidst the thunder storms of life, they can enjoy peace with God, the One who controls the thunder to His glory.