Verses 1–7
Whenever we come into God's presence, we must come with thanksgiving. The Lord is to be
praised; we do not want matter, it were well if we did not want a heart. How great is that God,
whose the whole earth is, and the fulness thereof; who directs and disposes of all!, The Lord Jesus,
whom we are here taught to praise, is a great God; the mighty God is one of his titles, and God
over all, blessed for evermore. To him all power is given, both in heaven and earth. He is our God,
and we should praise him. He is our Saviour, and the Author of our blessedness. The gospel church
is his flock, Christ is the great and good Shepherd of believers; he sought them when lost, and
brought them to his fold.
Verses 7–11
Christ calls upon his people to hear his voice. You call him Master, or Lord; then be his willing,
obedient people. Hear the voice of his doctrine, of his law, and in both, of his Spirit: hear and heed;
hear and yield. Christ's voice must be heard to-day. This day of opportunity will not last always;
improve it while it is called to-day. Hearing the voice of Christ is the same with believing. Hardness
of heart is at the bottom of all distrust of the Lord. The sins of others ought to be warnings to us
not to tread in their steps. The murmurings of Israel were written for our admonition. God is not
subject to such passions as we are; but he is very angry at sin and sinners. That certainly is evil,
which deserves such a recompence; and his threatenings are as sure as his promises. Let us be aware
of the evils of our hearts, which lead us to wander from the Lord. There is a rest ordained for
believers, the rest of everlasting refreshment, begun in this life, and perfected in the life to come.
This is the rest which God calls his rest.
Chapter 96
Chapter Outline
A call to all people to praise God. (1–9)
God's government and judgment. (10–13)Verses 1–9
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church
began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed
forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All the earth is here summoned
to worship the Lord. We must worship him in the beauty of holiness, as God in Christ, reconciling
the world unto himself. Glorious things are said of him, both as motives to praise and matter of
praise.