4. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name. To time
and tune, with order and care, celebrate the character and deeds of God. Sing
not for ostentation but devotion, not to be heard of people but of the Lord
himself. Extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name jah. Reflect upon his self-existence
and absolute dominion; rise to the highest pitch of joyful reverence in adoring
him. The Hebrew seems to be: “Cast up a
highway for him who marches through the wilderness,” in allusion to the wanderings of the tribes in the desert. His eternal
power and Godhead were there displayed in his feeding, ruling, and protecting
the vast hosts which he had brought out of Egypt. The name JAH is an
abbreviation of the name Jehovah; it is not a diminutive of that name, but an
intensified word, containing the essence of the longer, august title. It only
occurs here in our version of Scripture, except in connection with other words
such as Hallelujah. And rejoice before him. In the presence of
him who marched so gloriously at the head of the elect nation, it is most
fitting that all his people should display a holy delight. We ought to avoid
dullness in our worship. Our sense of divine greatness must not minister terror
but gladness to our souls. It should be our wish and prayer that in this
wilderness world a highway may be prepared for the God of grace (Isaiah 40:3). Where the God of the mercy-seat comes, blessings
innumerable are given.
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