I. THE SPHERE OF PRAISE (1).
II. THE SUBJECTS OF PRAISE (2). r. God's Acts (2a). "Mighty deeds:' The Work of God. 2. God's Attributes (2b). "Excellent greatness!' The Wonder of God. III. THE SYMPHONY OF PRAISE (3-5). (Eight instruments named, and the dance). IV. THE SINGERS OF PRAISE (6). Universal. "HALLELUJAH:' PRIMARY AssocIATION.-See notes introductory to the group. The Book of Psalms fitly closes with this full-toned call to universal praise with every accompaniment _of jubilant rejoicing. It is the great climax to which the "tears, groans and wailings for sin, meditations on the dark mysteries of providence, falterings of faith and foiled aspirations lead up." The grand finale of the universal choir. PROPHETIC ANncIPATION.-A final foregleam of the future. In millennial days not only the human voice but all instruments of music, secular as well as sacred, will unite in the one theme of universal song-the worthiness of God and the Lamb upon the throne. While Messiah will be enthroned in Zion where shall stand the millennial temple, in another sense the whole universe is God's temple and all its inhabitants shall be His worshippers. PERSONAL APPLICATION.-Note the tenfold (=universality) "Praise Him." In this marvellous "Hallelujah Chorus" every voice and every instrument has something to contribute accorilll!g to the individual capacity. So is it now in the worship of God's assembly the Church. Each instrument here suggests in figure the various abilities of believers. When the Spirit of God conducts the choir there is no dissonance. Note use of lungs, lips and limbs. "Praise Him" (a) worthily (2b); (b) distinctly (3a) c£ r Cor. xiv. 8; (c) melodiously (3b); (d) joyously (4a); (e) harmoniously (4b); (f) discriminately (5); (g) vocally (6). VERSE NOTES r. "God" = El; "sanctuary" prophetically may refer to the millennial temple (Ezek. xi. ff.). Both centre and circumference seem to be suggested in this verse. 2. (a) C£ cxlv. 4, II, 12 notes; (b) " ... to the abundance of His greatness.
3 ff. As far as the sacred records go, these musical instruments were not all used originally in the temple service, but niay have been introduced later. 3. (a)" ... with blast of hom," see Appendix XII (r); "psaltery and harp," see Appendix XII (3-4). 4. "timbrd and dance," see Appendix XII (8); "pipe" = pipes, selAppendix XII (7). 5. " cymbals," see Appendix XII (9). 6. Primarily refers to the people as distinct from the instrument players. This invocation carries with it the prophecy of its own fulfilment. HALLELUJAH
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