Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Only the righteous can truly praise God, for unbelievers who have never tasted His goodness cannot speak His glory from the heart. When the ungodly attempt this exercise, they profane His holy name rather than honor it.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 33:1-22
Praise the Lord with harp. Israel was a schoolchild using toys to learn; but now in gospel days, when Christ gives us spiritual manhood, we can make melody without them. I will not say instruments are unlawful in worship, only needless for us; if a George Herbert or Martin Luther finds them aid their praise, who am I to forbid it? The human voice is the sweetest music of all. Where several instruments are named, we learn to praise God with every power we possess.
AI summary
Holy joy must stir in the heart first, then break forth in praise, that is the life of all our worship. Sing Him new songs, not worn-out ones; use both mind and feeling, both skill and fervor. Praise is the very ornament and comeliness that befits the righteous.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 33:1-11