Praise the LORD!

I. The imperatives in this Psalm dispel the politically correct notion that all cultures have a right to their own religion. The one true God claims His right to be worshiped by the diverse peoples of humanity.
• The terms “gentiles” & “peoples” picture human diversity. Today, diversity has been made into something sacred; it is almost worshipped.
• Human rights vs. Divine Right – The universal imperative: no one is exempt. All peoples and nations are commanded to worship God.
II. In this short Psalm, the careful choice of words gives us great truths in a small package.
• 3 words for “Praise” – Hal-lu, shabach, Hal-a-lu-Yah
• 3 uses of God's covenant name
• 2 terms for “outsiders” – goy-eem & amah (gentiles & tribes/people groups)
III. As the church, we must call outsiders to praise God, showing forth the evidence of the LORD's covenantal love and faithfulness toward us.
• This is done by Gospel proclamation and inviting “outsiders” to witness the covenant people praising their covenant God.
• God's great love: prevailing covenantal, sovereign love.
• The truth of the LORD: Truth (amen) symbolizes something that is sure and unshakable (2 Cor. 1:20).