This psalm offers many different ways of praising the Lord. We look forward to when our Lord Jesus Christ comes to judge the earth in righteousness and faithfulness to God’s standard and His word. There will be great rejoicing at that time because of the peace established on account of His righteous judgments. When He returns, the voices of people worldwide will blend in, praising Him for who He is and what He does.
A new song was needed to express the deliverance of Israel from captivity when this was written. There are exhortations to give praise to God for His salvation. This song is the song of the Righteous Judge. It is also the song of redemption. All nations are called to sing to the Lord in praise of His name in the first part of this psalm. Everyone in all nations is called to give glory to the name of the Lord. His salvation is good news and needs to be declared day after day. All creation will rejoice when Christ is the King over all the earth.
If we believe God is great, we will not keep silent but will tell others what God has done for us. Hearts that are full of appreciation for God’s grace are the best witnessing tools we have. We must tell others “what great things the Lord has done for us.” When we appreciate the Lord’s goodness in providing for our needs, His grace in providing salvation for us, and His greatness that makes His power and strength available to us, we are moved to praise and magnify His name before all the people around us.
On that future day, “all the earth” will revere and praise the Lord. Honor and majesty are in Him, which will be openly evident to all mankind. Strength and beauty are personal characteristics of our Lord that will be evident when He is praised and honored in the “beauty of holiness,” the splendor of His holiness. The beauty of holiness indicates that it is appropriate to our worship to demonstrate our reverence and respect in ways that can be seen. How I dress and my attitude when coming together to worship with the Lord’s people call for a certain dignity on my part for the place, the people, and the purpose of the gathering. A watching world also recognizes that worshippers are not casual about what they are doing as we are conscious of being in the presence of the Lord Himself.
Israel and all nations are called to praise the Lord and worship Him. Thanksgiving and gratitude are offered when we meet in the proper attire (holy array) with reverence and godly fear. Awe and reverential respect are the proper attitudes when in the presence of the Lord. When the Lord reigns, all nature will praise Him. The powerless idols of men and Satan will be banished from His presence as all creation rejoices. God’s rule over creation and human affairs is often spoken of together. Both creation and nations ascribe to his righteousness, faithfulness, and love.
When the Lord reigns and the effects of redemption are fully realized, the earth's fullness will be opened, and its bounty will be made available for use. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of all nations, is the Righteous Judge of all the earth. The righteous will have reason to be happy and rejoice when the Lord judges with justice and truth. We can live in the positive hope of that now and rejoice today in God our Savior.