The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 100:2

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Service with gladness.

"Make a joyful noise;" "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing." It does not appear that anything in the nature of a song service was connected with the Mosaic tabernacle. David systematized, if he did not actually introduce, that element. And it made a vital change. Previously the Divine worship had been a ceremony; from that time it became a service. Previously it had been an affair exclusively of priests; from that time it became an affair of priests and people. Singing is the portion of service in which the people can share. Instrumental music, in the olden time, was not the refined expression of various moods of feelings that we know. Noise was thought more of than harmony; though the stringed instruments must have been capable of delicate expression. Just as children now express their joy by noisy "hurrahs!" so the Hebrews expressed joy by great shouts, loud blasts, and noisy clangings. What we may properly learn is that the elements of joy and gladness, which find their easiest and best expression in music and song, are the proper accompaniment of all worship offered to God. It has been pointed out that "thanksgiving and praise are the higher elements of worship, and so the essence of the worship of heaven;" confession and prayer belong to the imperfection of earth.

I. GLADNESS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD'S HOUSE IS BECOMING. In view of God's gracious ways with us. They who receive gifts from friends are cheered and gladdened by the gifts; and we are receiving fresh gifts from our heavenly Friend continually. Dulness and sadness would say that God's favours are little valued. As the thing that is fitting, becoming, God's people should nourish a bright, cheery, hopeful, happy spirit.

II. GLADNESS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD'S HOUSE IS HONOURING. Note that it has ever been this feature that has made Divine service attractive. And the supreme anxiety of each generation has been to get brightness into its service that will make it attractive. So joy in God's house honours God by winning men to him.

III. GLADNESS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD'S HOUSE IS INSPIRING. We are consciously helped by sunny cheerful services. Nothing carries away our cares, doubts, fears, like joining together in holy song. "The joy of the Lord is our strength."—R.T.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 100:1-5This song of praise should be considered as a prophecy, and even used as a prayer, for the coming of that time when all people shall know that the Lord he is God, and shall become his worshippers, and the sheep of his p…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 100:1-5EXPOSITION THE hundredth psalm has for its title, "A Psalm of praise," or "of thanksgiving," and to this description it well answers. There is not a single mournful note in the composition. God is praised from the begin…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 100:1-5Worship. I. THE CALL TO THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 1. It is to be the worship of joyful song. (Psalms 100:1, Psalms 100:2.) Not the worship of silent thought, but of glad utterance. True fear and joy not incompatible. 2. It is…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 100:1-5Jubilate. This psalm, which comes at the close of the magnificent series of royal psalms, which tell of the reign of Christ Jehovah, has been called their doxology. It seems to have been sung during the thank offering i…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 100:2Glad service. "Serve the Lord with gladness." So sings the psalmist, and his teaching has been echoed by the wisest of human teachers. "Give me the man who sings at his work;" so writes Carlyle. "A merry heart goes all…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 100:2Serve the Lord with gladness. "Gladness" is the emphatic word. Almost every clause of the psalm contains some such call. Come before his presence with singing; or, with a cry of joy.Joseph S. Exell and contributors