Sing praise to Yahweh, you saints of his. Give thanks to his holy name.
Parallel Translations
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Sing praise to Yahweh, you saints of his. Give thanks to his holy name.
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Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
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(30-5) Sing praise unto the LORD, O ye His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name.
Cross-references (12)
Passages linked to Psalms 30:4 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- Psalms 97:12 Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.
- 1 Chronicles 16:4 He appointed some of the Levites to minister before Yahweh’s ark, and to commemorate, to thank, and to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel:
- Psalms 132:9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness. Let your saints shout for joy!”
- Psalms 148:14–149:1 He has lifted up the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints, even of the children of Israel, a people near to him. Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh! Sing to Yahweh a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.
- Revelation 4:8 The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”
- Exodus 15:11 Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
- Psalms 32:11–33:3 Be glad in Yahweh, and rejoice, you righteous! Shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart! Rejoice in Yahweh, you righteous! Praise is fitting for the upright. Give thanks to Yahweh with the lyre. Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to him a new song. Play skillfully with a shout of joy!
- Psalms 50:5 “Gather my saints together to me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
- Psalms 103:20-22 Praise Yahweh, you angels of his, who are mighty in strength, who fulfill his word, obeying the voice of his word. Praise Yahweh, all you armies of his, you servants of his, who do his pleasure. Praise Yahweh, all you works of his, in all places of his dominion. Praise Yahweh, my soul!
- Psalms 135:19-21 House of Israel, praise Yahweh! House of Aaron, praise Yahweh! House of Levi, praise Yahweh! You who fear Yahweh, praise Yahweh! Blessed be Yahweh from Zion, who dwells at Jerusalem. Praise Yah!
- Isaiah 6:3 One called to another, and said, “Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!”
- Revelation 19:5-6 A voice came from the throne, saying, “Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!” I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this verse (17 sources)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain 4. Sing unto Jehovah. The better to testify his…
4. Sing unto Jehovah. The better to testify his gratitude, David calls upon all the saints to join with him in singing the praises of God; and under one class he describes the whole body. As he had been preserved beyond all expectation, and by this instance had been instructed concerning God’s continual and infinite goodness towards all the godly, he breaks forth into this exhortation, in which he includes the general deliverance of the whole church as well as his own. He rehearses not only what God had been to himself, but also how bountifully and promptly he is accustomed to assist his people. In short, confirmed by one particular instance he turns his thoughts to the general truth. The meaning of the Hebrew term חסידים, chasidim, which we have translated meekness, by which David often describes the faithful, has been already shown in the sixteenth Psalm. Their heavenly adoption ought to excite them to the exercise of beneficence, that they may imitate their Father’s disposition,
“who maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good,” (Matthew 5:45.)
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There is nothing in which men resemble God more truly than in doing good to others. The memorial of his holiness, in the second clause of the verse, may refer to the tabernacle; as if David had exhorted all the children of God to go before the ark of the covenant, which was the memorial of God’s presence. The Hebrew letter לזכר, lezeker, at the memorial.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain Before his Tabernacle.
Before his Tabernacle.
The word signifieth them that have received mercy, and show mercy liberally unto others.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain Psa 30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints…
Psa 30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Ver. 4. Sing unto the Lord] Here he calleth in help to praise God, as holding himself too weak to do it alone. Publication of God’s praises should be seconded by provocation of others to do the like. David thought one mouth too little to do it.
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O ye saints of his] Or, O ye, his merciful ones, that, having partaken of his mercy, are ready to impart the same to others; and not to pull up that bridge before them that yourselves have once gone over (Chasid. Plus, Benignus).
At the remembrance (or memorial) of his holiness] That is, at his tabernacle, say some; that his holiness, his grace, and goodness may be always had in remembrance, say others; and that which he doth for us be carefully kept upon record.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain Or, at the mention, &c.; when you call to…
Or, at the mention, &c.; when you call to mind, or when others celebrate, as I do, this day, the holiness of God’s nature; which he demonstrates by his works, by his faithfulness, care, and kindness towards his holy ones.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his,....…
Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his,.... Such to whom he has been gracious and merciful, and has blessed with pardoning grace, and justifying righteousness, adoption, and a right to eternal life; and who are holy godly persons; in whose hearts principles of grace and holiness are formed; and who are kind and bountiful to others: all which the word (o) here used signifies: and these are the Lord's; they are set apart for him, and they are sanctified by him; and therefore should sing his praises, both vocally, and with melody in their hearts;
and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness; which is essential to him, and in which he is glorious; and which appears in all his ways and works of providence and grace, and both in the redemption and sanctification of his people; and besides this, there is the holiness of Christ, which is imputed to his saints, and the sanctification of the Spirit, which is wrought in them; and at the remembrance of each of these it highly becomes them to give thanks to the Lord, since hereby they are made meet to be partakers of his kingdom and glory.
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(o) "quos ipse benignitate prosequitur", Junius & Tremellius; so Tigurine version.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 4. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints…
Verse 4. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his] Ye priests, who wait upon him in his sanctuary, and whose business it is to offer prayers and sacrifices for the people, magnify him for the mercy he has now showed in staying this most destructive plague.
Give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.] "Be ye holy," saith the Lord, "for I am holy." He who can give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness, is one who loves holiness; who hates sin; who longs to be saved from it; and takes encouragement at the recollection of God's holiness, as he sees in this the holy nature which he is to share, and the perfection which he is here to attain. But most who call themselves Christians hate the doctrine of holiness; never hear it inculcated without pain; and the principal part of their studies, and those of their pastors, is to find out with how little holiness they can rationally expect to enter into the kingdom of God. O fatal and soul-destroying delusion! How long will a holy God suffer such abominable doctrines to pollute his Church, and destroy the souls of men?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain Psa 30:4. Give thanks at the remembrance — Or,…
Psa 30:4. Give thanks at the remembrance — Or, at the mention, of his holiness — When you call to mind, or when others celebrate, as I do this day, the holiness of God’s nature; which he manifests by his works, by his mercy and truth, his care and kindness toward his holy ones. Of the holiness of God, or of the rectitude and sanctity of his nature, demonstrated by his faithfulness to his promises, David had the highest and most comfortable assurance. “God having, at last, brought him to the throne and settled him in the possession of it, notwithstanding he was often reduced to the greatest hazard of his life, and his advancement to the kingdom seemed, according to all human probability, almost impossible.” — Chandler.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his…
Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his - This call upon others to give thanks to God is in view of the mercy which he had experienced. He invites them to unite with him in celebrating the praises of that God who had showed him so much mercy. It was not because they had been benefited by these tokens of the divine favor; but:
(a) because when we are partakers of the divine mercy, we desire that others may assist us in giving utterance to the praise due to God; and
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(b) because others may learn from the mercies bestowed on us that God is worthy of praise, or may see in His dealings with us an argument for His goodness; and may, therefore, appropriately unite in His praise.
Thus religion diffuses its influence on all around us, and tends to “unite” the hearts of many in every manifestation of the character of God. Infidelity is solitary and dissocial; religion is social; and, no matter on whom the favor is bestowed, its effect is to unite the hearts of many to each other and to God.
And give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness - Margin, “to the memorial.” The Hebrew is, “to the memory of his holiness.” The sense is, in calling to recollection the acts of his holiness, or his holy perfections. Compare the notes at Psa 22:3. The word “holiness” here is used in a large sense as denoting, not so much the hatred of sin, as benevolence, kindness, mercy - the divine compassion toward those who are in trouble or danger. It is true that it is a proper subject of rejoicing and praise that God is a holy God, a God of truth and justice, a God who cannot look upon sin but with abhorrence, a God in whose nature is combined every possible perfection; but that is not the exact idea here. The word refers to his compassion, goodness, kindness; and to the acts by which that had been manifested to the psalmist, as laying a proper foundation for gratitude and praise.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain remembrance--the thing remembered or memorial.
remembrance--the thing remembered or memorial.
holiness--as the sum of God's perfections (compare Psa 22:3), used as name (Exo 3:15; Psa 135:13).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain 4. Ye saints—Ye pious ones, ye who worship God,…
4. Ye saints—Ye pious ones, ye who worship God, and have obtained his grace. In Psa_29:1, the psalmist calls upon the angelic host to give glory to God; here he calls upon the devout worshippers on earth to sing.
Remembrance of his holiness—Rather, the memorial of his holiness; that is, the great recent deliverance which he has wrought. The memorials of God’s holiness are his great works of redemption and providence. See Exo_3:15; Psa_97:12
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 4. Sing] Sing praise (R.V.); or, sing psalms.
4. Sing] Sing praise (R.V.); or, sing psalms.
saints] See note on Psa_4:3.
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at the remembrance of his holiness] Lit. to the memorial of his holiness, and so virtually, as R.V., to his holy name. For His name is that which brings to remembrance all that He is and does. See Exo_3:15; and cp. Psa_97:12; Psa_122:4. It is here called the memorial of his holiness, because the mercy and faithfulness which the Psalmist is celebrating are rays out of the light of holiness. Cp. Psa_33:21.
4, 5. An invitation to the godly to join in thanksgiving, in view of those attributes of Jehovah of which the Psalmist has just had experience. Cp. Psa_9:11; Psa_22:23.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (4) Sing unto . . .—Better, Play to Jehovah,…
(4) Sing unto . . .—Better, Play to Jehovah, ye saints of his. (See Note, Psa_16:10.)
And give thanks.—Better, and sing praises to his holy name. (See margin.) Possibly Exo_3:15 was in the poet’s mind. (Comp. Psa_97:12.)
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his.…
Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his. David continually calls upon the people to join him in his praises of God. Even when the mercy vouchsafed has been granted specially to himself, he regards the people as interested, since he is their ruler in peace and their leader in war. (see Psa_9:11 Psa_34:3, etc.) On the present occasion, however, the people who had escaped the pestilence had almost exactly the same reason for praising and thanking God that David had, and were bound to join him in his thanksgiving service. And give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness; literally, give thanks to the memorial of his holiness, which is explained, by reference to Exo_3:15, as meaning, "Give thanks to his holy Name". (comp. Psa_103:1 Psa_106:47 Psa_145:21)
The holiness of Christ.
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We may apply these words to Christ. We should "give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness" as
I GLORIOUSLY INDEPENDENT. The holiness of the creature is derived. It is not by will, or by effort, or by discipline as something that has been wrought out by himself; it is of God. But the holiness of Christ was his own; it was essential to his being; it was the outshining of the glory that he had from eternity. (Isa 6:3Jo Isa 12:41)
II ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. Thank God, there have been, and there are, good men upon earth; but none of them is perfect. None is good from the first; none is wholly and always good. The holiness of the best is not only derived, but imperfect. This is the confession of every one that is godly when coming before God. But the holiness of Christ was perfect. Nothing could be added to it nothing higher could be conceived. In this respect be stands alone, the first, and the last, and the only one, in human likeness, who had kept the Law perfectly, and who could say, in the face of enemies and of friends, "Which of you convinceth me of sin?". (Joh_8:46)
III INVIOLABLY PURE. Some may seem pure because they have not been tried. But Christ was subjected to the severest trials and temptations; yet his holy soul was never stained by sin. He was born without sin; (Luk_1:35) he lived in an evil world without sin; (1Jn_3:5) he died without sin. (Heb_9:14) "Such a High Priest became us:". (Heb_7:26)
IV ETERNALLY BEAUTIFUL. We read of "the beauty of holiness," and it is the supreme and perfect beauty of character.
1. Challenges our admiration.
2. Inspires our confidence.
3. Commands our love.
Christ"s holiness is not against us, but for us. It does not repel, but attract; it shows us what we ought to be, and thus humbles us under a sense of our sins; it shows us what we may become, and thus raises our hopes to heaven. It is because of his holiness he is fitted to be our Saviour. He not only perfectly represents God to man, but also man to God. Never was it more needful than in our day to remember Christ"s holiness. Men are ready enough to speak of Christ"s truth, Christ"s goodness, Christ"s self-sacrifice, and so forth; but few speak of his holiness. But in the Old Testament and the New holiness has a first place. Our Lord addressed God as "Holy Father". (Joh_17:11) He has taught us that without holiness no one shall see God; and he, and he alone, reveals to us the way whereby we who are sinners may cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in God"s fear. It is as we become holy that we grow up into Christ, to the stature of the perfect man. It is as we are holy that we can best serve Christ here, and sing his praise for ever. W.F. (1Pe_1:15 1Pe_2:5 Rev_4:8 Rev_14:3)
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Charles H. Spurgeon 1885 · Public Domain Ver. 4. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints…
Ver. 4. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his. "Join my song; assist me to express my gratitude." He felt that he could not praise God enough himself, and therefore he would enlist the hearts of others. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his. David would not fill his choir with reprobates, but with sanctified persons, who could sing from their hearts. He calls to you, ye people of God, because ye are saints: and if sinners are wickedly silent, let your holiness constrain you to sing. You are his saints chosen, blood bought, called, and set apart for God; sanctified on purpose that you should offer the daily sacrifice of praise. Abound ye in this heavenly duty. Sing unto the Lord. It is a pleasing exercise; it is a profitable engagement. Do not need to be stirred up so often to so pleasant a service. And give thanks. Let your songs be grateful songs, in which the Lord's mercies shall live again in joyful remembrance. The very remembrance of the past should tune our harps, even if present joys be lacking. At the remembrance of his holiness. Holiness is an attribute which inspires the deepest awe, and demands a reverent mind; but still give thanks at the remembrance of it. "Holy, holy, holy!" is the song of seraphim and cherubim; let us join itnot dolefully, as though we trembled at the holiness of God, but cheerfully, as humbly rejoicing in it.
Ver. 4. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his. If it were to sing of another thing, I should require the whole quire of God's creatures to join in the singing; but now that it is to sing of God's "holiness, "what should profane voices do in the concert? None but "saints, "are fit to sing of "holiness, "and specially of God's holiness; but most specially with songs of holiness. Sir Richard Baker.
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Ver. 4. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his. As God requires outward and inward worship, so a spiritual frame for inward worship may be forwarded by the outward composure. Gazing drowsiness hinders the activity of the soul, but the contrary temper furthers and helps it. Singing calls up the soul into such a posture, and doth, as it were, awaken it: it is a lively rousing up of the heart. Singing God's praise is a work of the most meditation of any we perform in public. It keeps the heart longest upon the thing spoken. Prayer and hearing pass quick from one sentence to another; this sticks long upon it. Meditation must follow after hearing the word, and praying with the ministerfor new sentences, still succeeding, give not liberty, in the instant, well to muse and consider upon what is spoken; but in this you pray and meditate. God hath so ordered this duty, that, while we are employed in it, we feed and chew the cud together. "Higgaion, "or "Meditation, "is set upon some passages of the Psalms, as Ps 9:16. The same may be writ up the whole duty, and all parts of it; namely, "Meditation." Set before you one in the posture to sing to the best advantage: eyes lifted to heaven, denote his desire that his heart may be there too; he hath before him a line or verse of prayer, mourning, praise, mention of God's works; how fairly now may his heart spread itself in meditation on the thing, while he is singing it over! Our singing is measured in deliberate time not more for music than meditation. He that seeks not, finds not, this advantage in singing Psalmshath not yet learned what it means. John Lightfoot, 1675.
Ver. 4. Song, a sacred service; saints especially called to it; divine holiness, a choice subject for it; Memory, an admirable aid in it.
Psalms 30:5*
Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David (1869–1885) — public domain. Psalms only. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His.
Psa_30:4-5
Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His.
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Singing saints
Singing has a curative effect upon many of the maladies of the soul; I am sure that it lightens the burdens of life, and I was about to say that it shortens the weary way of duty if we can but sing as we travel along it. This holy employment is pleasant and profitable, and it is preparatory for another world and a higher state.
I. the peculiar fitness of the exhortation to our present engagement. You are to come to the table where you remember your Saviours death, where you are to feed upon the memorials of His passion. Come thither with a heart prepared for song. Oh! says one, I thought I had better come with tears. Yes, come with tears; they will be very sweet to Christ if you let them fall upon His feet to wash them with your penitential streams. Oh, sir! says another, I thought that surely I must come with deep solemnity. So you must, woe be unto you if you come in any other way; but do you know of any divorce between solemnity and joy? I do not.
1. We celebrate a work accomplished. Talk of the labours of Hercules? What are these compared with the toil of the Christ of God? Talk of the conquests of Caesar? What are these beside the victories of Christ, who hath led captivity captive, and received gifts for men?
2. We celebrate a result realized, at least in a measure. I know that the bread and the wine are symbols of the flesh and the blood, but I know also that they are something more; they are not only symbols of the things themselves, but also of that which comes out of those things. The very setting-up of the communion-table, and the gathering of men and women to it that they may spiritually feast upon their dying Lord, is a reason for thankfulness.
3. There is this reason why some of us should sing unto the Lord, for here is a blessing enjoyed.
4. This communion reminds us of a hope revived. Till He come. Every hour brings Him nearer.
II. the special suitability of the subject for our meditation. Give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.
1. Think of Divine holiness vindicated. God is just, yet the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus. We are going to commune with a God who, even that He might commune with us, and indulge His love to His chosen, would not break His own law, or do that which, on the strictest judgment, could be regarded as unjust. I do rejoice in that unquestionable fact, and my heart is glad as I remind you of it.
2. Let us give thanks at the remembrance of Christs holiness declared. It is a happy occupation to look upon the perfect character of our dear Redeemer.
3. I think also that it will be quite congruous with our present engagement if we think of Gods holiness as the guarantee of our salvation. It is upon the righteousness of God that we rest our hope, after all. If God can lie, then not one promise of His is to be trusted. If God can do an unrighteous thing, then His covenant may be flung to the winds. But God is not unrighteous to forget the work of His dear Son, and God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love.
4. At this table we may give thanks that the holiness of God is our mark, the object for us to aim at--aye, and that to which we shall one day attain. He does not begin to make a vessel unto honour, and then cease His work; but He perfects that which He begins.
III. The text is very appropriate for the communion, because of the suitability of the people of whom it speaks, for they are the same people who ought to come to this table.
1. Those who come to this table should be saints. A saint is a holy person, one who aims at being holy, one who is set apart for the service and glory of God. These are the people who are to give thanks at the remembrance of Gods holiness, because God has made them holy, too. They are partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption which is in the world through lust, and so they are saints, and they are the people who ought to come to the table of the Lord.
2. They are not only saints, but they are saints of His. That is to say, they are Gods saints; they are saints of His making, for they were great sinners till He made saints of them; and they are saints of His keeping, for they would soon be sinners again if He did not keep them. They are saints enlisted in His service, sworn to serve under His banner, to be faithful to Him unto death. They are saints of His, that is, they are saints whom He purchased with His precious blood, and whom He means to have as His for ever because He has bought them with so great a price. They are saints who shall be with Him in that day when He shall appear with all His holy ones.
3. They are Gods thankful saints. The communion is a eucharist, a giving of thanks from beginning to end.
4. They should be singing saints. People express their praise and delight spontaneously concerning far less things than the joys of God, and the privileges of His people; therefore, Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The duty of gladness
When people want to make things attractive in farming, they give exhibitions of their products. The women bring their very best butter; the men bring the noblest beets and vegetables of every kind; and from the orchard they bring the rarest fruits; and when you go into the room where all these things are displayed, they seem to you attractive and beautiful. It seems to me that this is the way a Christian Church ought to represent the Christian life. You ought to pile up your apples and pears and peaches and flowers and vegetables to show what is the positive fruit of religion. But many people in the Christian life do as farmers would do who would go to a show, and carry--one pigweed; another thistles; another dock; and another old, hard lumps of clay; and should arrange these worthless things along the sides of the room and mourn over them. Christians are too apt to represent the dark side of religion in their conversation and meetings. (H. W. Beecher.)
At the remembrance of His holiness.--
The holiness of God
This sentence occurs again at the end of the ninety-seventh psalm, and is in reality one of the most elevated sentences Holy Scripture contains. Here is a sinful creature adoring the Lord not for His mercy but for His holiness, and calling on others to do the same. What cannot the grace of God do in a sinners heart?
I. the holiness of God. It affirms that in God all good is present and all evil absent. He calls His saints on earth holy, but they are so only by comparison with their fellow-men: and the holiness of the angels is not only limited, but, as all creature holiness, it is derived, it has its origin not in themselves, but in God. He alone is holy in Himself. And now consider--
II. the effect this wonderful holiness should have upon us. We are called upon to sing unto the Lord and to give thanks. Now this implies--
1. A happy confidence in the Lords mercy. For none can ever thank the Lord for His holiness till he is able to take a firm stand in His mercy. His holiness looked at alone is appalling to us. We can scarcely bear to hear of it. But when we are in Christ, resting on Him, then we can look calmly upon His holiness. Embraced in His mercy, the soul feels as Noah, shut in the ark--safe, though destruction be all around.
2. A delightful admiration of Gods holiness. God delights in it Himself. Nearly fifty times He calls Himself the Holy One. And the angels and saints in heaven glory in it. See the trisagion, Holy, holy, holy, etc. And we are called upon to share in this delight. The communion service bids us say, Therefore with angels and archangels, etc. Happy are we if we can understand such language and really join in it.
3. A grateful sense of his obligations to the Divine holiness. What delight to turn from the dreary sinfulness of men, to the holiness of God. The thought of it is as an oasis in the wilderness. And it sheds a radiance on all His other attributes. What would any of them be apart from this? And what holiness we have is an emanation from His, and, because of His, will be perfected. Therefore let us live in remembrance of it. (C. Bradley, M. A.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 Give thanks when you remember his holiness
Give thanks when you remember his holiness
The abstract nouns "thanks" and "holiness" can be stated as "thank" and "holy." AT: "Remember that God is holy and thank him" or "Remember what God has done because he is holy and thank him" (See: Abstract Nouns)
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his anger is only for a moment
"his anger lasts only a moment." The abstract noun "anger" can be stated as "angry." AT: "he is angry for only a moment" (See: Abstract Nouns)
a moment
Here "moment" represents a short amount of time. AT: "a short time" (See: Metonymy)
but his favor is for a lifetime
The abstract noun "favor" can be stated as the adjective "good." AT: "but he is good to us all of our lives" (See: Abstract Nouns)
Weeping comes for a night, but joy comes in the morning
This speaks about "weeping" and "joy" as if they were something that travels and arrives at a certain time. AT: "We may cry during the night, but the next morning we will be joyful" (See: Metaphor)
translationWords
praise
faithful
holy
anger
favor
joy
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 30:4 The godly should celebrate the Lord’s acts of…
30:4 The godly should celebrate the Lord’s acts of rescue with song and praise (33:21; 97:12; 103:1; 105:3; 145:21).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.