Joy to the World!
Brethren, God has called His people to sing praises to Him in worship. We must strive to never let our praise become routine, for we have much to celebrate. Issac Watts felt that way when he read this psalm and wrote the hymn “Joy to the World.” The psalmist is calling upon God’s people and all the world to celebrate the Lord.
The first part of the psalm instructs God’s people to sing to Him a song of praise (1-3). A new song the people of God have because they have new reasons to praise God each day. This song is a celebration of the salvation which God has wrought for His people. God has revealed His righteousness to the world in His salvation (2). The world has seen the salvation of God in is dealings with His people. In the Old Testament, the world sees His gracious character demonstrated to Israel. In the New Testament, the world hears the Gospel proclamation by a transformed people called the church. The Lord will show His faithfulness to Israel at His return to take up His Davidic throne (3).
The second part of the psalm is a call for all the peoples of the earth to praise the Lord with great enthusiasm (4-6). Obedience to this call proves that they have received God’s revelation of the King and have responded in faith (6)
The third part of the psalm figuratively pictures the restored creation celebrating the King’s arrival (7-9). The seas roar, the rivers clap, the mountains sing all in immense joy because the curse of Genesis 3 is no more (Rom 8:19). The psalm ends with a reminder to all believers that the King’s return is imminent (9). He will return to punish the wicked and vindicate the righteous (9).