Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 100:2

Whole Psalm. This is a bunch of the grapes of Eshcol. It is a taste of what is still the promised land. The Jewish church came to its perfection in the reign of Solomon, but a greater than Solomon is here. The perfection of the New Testament church is here anticipated. This psalm teaches,

1. That there will be a joyful state of the whole world (Ps 100:1). (a) To whom the address is given —to "all lands, "and all in those lands. (b) The subject of the address —"Make a joyful noise." What a doleful noise it has made! (c) By whom the address is given, by him who secures what he commands.

2. That this joyful state of the whole world will arise from the enjoyment of the Divine Being (Ps 100:2). (a) Men have long tried to be happy without God. (b) They will find at last that their happiness is in God. The conversion of an individual in this respect is a type of the conversion of the world.

3. That this enjoyment of God will arise from a new relation to him (Ps 100:3). (a) Of knowledge on our part: he will be known as the Triune God, as a covenant God, as the God of salvation —as God. (b) Of rightful claim on his part; (1.) by right of creation —"He hath made us; " (2.) By light of redemption —"Ye were not a people, but are now the people of God, "&c.; "I have redeemed thee: thou art mine"; (3.) by right of preservation —"We are the sheep, "&c.

4. That this new relation to God will endear to us the ordinances of his house (Ps 100:4). (a) Of what the service will consist —"thanksgiving" and praise. (b) To whom it will be rendered. Enter into his gates —his courts —be thankful unto him —bless his name. That this service will be perpetual; begin on earth, continued in heaven. This fact is founded —

5. That this service will be perpetual; begun on earth, continued in heaven. This face is founded —(a) Upon essential goodness. "For the Lord is good." (b) Upon everlasting mercy. "His mercy, "etc. (c) Upon immutable truth. "His truth, "etc. G. R.

Serve the LORD with gladness.

1. For he is the best of beings.

2. For his commandments are not grievous.

3. For he is your Saviour, as well as Creator; your friend, as well as Lord.

4. The angels, so much greater than yourself, know no reason why they should not serve him with gladness.

5. In serving him you serve yoreself.

6. You make religion attractive.

7. You get fitness for heaven. George Bowen.

Verse 2 (first clause) A true heart,

1. Is humble —serves.

2. Is pious —"serve the Lord."

3. Is active —serves.

4. Is consequently joyful —"with gladness."