Psalm 113:3 From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Lord's Name is to be praised. These figures may be taken as representing two notes of universality. 1. From morning to evening, covering all time. 2. From east to west, covering all space. Note that the two conditions of human thought are "time" and "space." All space is filled with reasons for praise. All time should be filled with the spirit of praise. I. TIME FILLED WITH PRAISE. It cannot be expected that our whole days should be occupied with formal acts of worship; though such a pious soul as David will even envy the priests of the temple, who spend all their time in praise. We need to see clearly that "praise" is a cherished spirit of trustfulness, obedience, and holy joy in God; that this can be with us, abiding with us, while we are occupied with our commonplace, everyday avocations; and that this spirit of praise ever gladly seizes fitting opportunities for formal expression. In this sense the good man's praise is universal; it covers all his time. It is cherished always; it is expressed often. And the relation of the frequent expression to the constant feeling may wisely be pointed out. Neglecting expression means fading feeling. Restraining the lips means losing the heart's joy and gratitude. If a good man's praise is not universal, as including all his time, it will soon become only weak impulse and sentiment. II. SPACE FILLED WITH PRAISE. East and west are broader, larger suggestions than north and south. They cover all the zones in which man, in his multitudes, can dwell. So they include all humanity. It may be noted that this was a strange conception for the exclusive Jew; but in the time of the restoration from the Captivity the diffusion of the knowledge of God among the heathen had already begun. God's work is in all space. God's appeal is made to every man. God's goodness hallows every life. God therefore rightly claims universal praise. But there is an element in the redeemed man's praise which makes him the fitting leader of the universal choir. All the world over, man, should (1) extol his character; (2) magnify every high and sacred attribute; (3) glory in all his mighty and gracious works; and (4) honor the Name by which he is known. - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.WEB: From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, Yahweh's name is to be praised. |
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