Praise.
I. GRANDEST THEME. "Name of God." Take Exodus 3:14, where God is called the "I am;" or the next verse, where as "the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob," he says, "This is my Name forever." Or take Exodus 34:6, or some of the great titles given to God: Jehovah-jireh (Genesis 22:14); Jehovah-tsidkenu (Jeremiah 33:16); Jehovah-shalom ( 6:24); Jehovah-nissi (Exodus 17:15). What a glorious subject, with endless variety of charm!
II. NOBLEST INSPIRATION. "Thanksgiving." This implies in the singer a right relation and a right spirit. We can only praise God aright as we know him as God, and as our hearts glow with love to him as our God and our Redeemer.
III. TRUEST POPULARITY. It is not what pleases the people that stands highest, but what pleases God. He looks to the heart. He distinguishes between the form and the spirit. The sacrifice which is acceptable to him is that which is offered in faith and love. The two mites of the humble widow far transcend the splendid gifts of the proud Pharisees.
IV. THE MOST POWERFUL ARGUMENT. (Exodus 34:33.) "For." Reference is made to God's love of the poor; God's rescue of the oppressed, his "prisoners," from Joseph in Egypt, down to John at Patmos; God's promotion of righteousness and mercy and peace.
V. THE MOST DELIGHTFUL CONCLUSION. (Verses 34-36.) True in part of Judah and Zion, but finding its highest fulfilment in him who is the true King of men, and whose rule alone can unite Jew and Gentile, and bring joy to heaven and earth.—W.F.