This psalm, (1.) Contains a solemn call to the Gentiles to praise God, and rejoice in him, ver. 1-4. (2.) Furnisheth us with matter of praise, viz. that he is God, and stands nearly related to us, and that his mercy and truth are everlasting, ver. 3, 5.
Knowing the Lord to be my God, let me approach his ordinances, and enter his heavenly palaces, with a heart ravished with his excellencies and kindness, and a mouth filled with his praise.
1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
FIRST VERSION (L.M.)
1 All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
2 Him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell,
Come ye before him and rejoice.
3 Know that the Lord is God indeed;
Without our aid he did us make:
We are his flock, he doth us feed,
And for his sheep he doth us take.
4 O enter then his gates with praise,
Approach with joy his courts unto:
Praise, laud, and bless his name always,
For it is seemly so to do.
5 For why? the Lord our God is good,
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.
SECOND VERSION (C.M.)
1 O all ye lands, unto the Lord
make ye a joyful noise.
2 Serve God with gladness, him before
come with a singing voice.
3 Know ye the Lord that he is God;
not we, but he us made:
We are his people, and the sheep
within his pasture fed.
4 Enter his gates and courts with praise,
to thank him go ye thither:
To him express your thankfulness,
and bless his name together.
5 Because the Lord our God is good,
his mercy faileth never;
And to all generations
his truth endureth ever.
O Lord, the plentiful heap of all happiness, since it hath pleased thee of thy free mercy and goodness, to choose us for thy own heritage, and to regenerate us spiritually: Entertain us under thy wings unto the end: and grant that we may daily grow in the knowledge of thy goodness, truth, and mercy, which thou hast manifested unto us, through our Redeemer, and Saviour Jesus Christ.