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Praise, O ye servants of the Lord. This psalm is the first of the series called the "Hallel," which was sung in connection with the annual Jewish festivals, and especially at the Passover and Feast of Tabernacles. This and the following psalm were sung before the second cup. We need not think, however, that these psalms were composed for use at the feasts with which they were afterwards associated. Only Jewish minds could recognize any particular fitness for such scenes. To us they are simply praise psalms. Here we notice that praise of the Divine Master is properly claimed from all the servants of the Divine Master.

I. PRAISE IS PROPERLY CLAIMED FROM ALL GOD'S CREATION, "All thy works praise thee, in all places of thy dominion." Poet-souls and pious souls find voice for Nature, and utter forth the joy in the Divine wisdom and goodness which all things seem to feel Many of the psalms are nature-psalms. When man is praiseful, he feels that everything around him is praiseful too.

II. PRAISE IS PROPERLY CLAIMED FROM THE MORAL BEINGS GOD HAS MADE. Inanimate things praise by answering the ends for which they are made, and meeting the conditions in which they are set. But moral beings praise by recognizing qualities and character in the Divine arrangements. They do not only see goodness, they see that only from a good and gracious Being can such goodness come. Man, as man, in distinction from man as sinner, or man as in special relations with God, is called to praise, as he recognizes the Divine providing, ruling, and overruling.

III. PRAISE IS PROPERLY CLAIMED FROM THE SERVANTS WHO DO GOD'S WILL. There may be a special call intended here to the officials of the temple - priests and Levites; but the term "servant" is used by the Prophet Isaiah of the whole people, of every person called to a ministry, and of Messiah. And the Apostle Paul delights to speak of himself as the servant, bond-servant, slave, of Jesus Christ. All God's people who have come into personal relations with him, and have received his regime rating grace, think of themselves as consecrated to his service, as having become his servants. It may be shown that they, in a special way, feel the duty of praise, and find reasons for praise. Servant-praise is based:

1. On knowledge. The intimacy with the Master is a continually fresh revelation.

2. On experience. The servant never forgets the grace that brought him into the servant-relation.

3. On office; for it is servant-work to secure the honor of the Master. - R.T.

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KJV: Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

WEB: Praise Yah! Praise, you servants of Yahweh, praise the name of Yahweh.