THEME: A NEW SONG PART 2
TEXT: Psalm 40:3
Cheerfulness and joy had long been strangers to the writer of this psalm. He seemed to live to utter the most doleful complaints, and be a prey to suffering and wretchedness. Praise for a sense of God’s favor was a new song to him. The word is often used to signify excellence: I will sing a most excellent and eminent song.
Many shalt see it – I will publish it abroad and fear-to sin against the Lord, knowing by my example what a grievous and bitter thing it is.
And shall trust in the Lord – Even the worst of sinners shall not despair of mercy, being penitent, when they see that I have found favor in him
And he hath put a new song in my mouth – See the notes at Psalm 33:3. The idea is, that he had given a new or fresh “occasion” for praise. The deliverance was so marked, and was such an addition to former mercies, that a new expression of thanks was proper. It was an act of such surprising intervention on the part of God that the language used on former occasions, and which was adapted to express the mercies then received, would not be sufficient to convey the sense of gratitude felt for the present deliverance. As applied to the Messiah, and referring (as it was supposed in the notes at Psalm 40:2) to his being raised up to glory after the depth of his sorrows, it would mean that no language hitherto employed to express gratitude to God would be adequate to the occasion, but that the language of a new song of praise would be demanded to celebrate so great an event.
Even praise unto our God – “To our God;” identifying himself, as the Messiah does, with his people, and expressing the idea that the new song of praise was appropriate to them as well as to “himself,” since they would be benefited by his work, and since God was their God as well as his. Compare John 20:17.
Many shall see it – Great numbers of the human race shall be made acquainted with the occasion which there was for such a song.
And fear – Learn to reverence, to worship, to honor God, as the result of what had been done.
And shall trust in the Lord – Shall confide in God; shall put their trust in him; shall become his true worshippers and friends:
(a) as the effect of this merciful interposition in behalf of him who had been thus in trouble or distress, and who was enabled to triumph;
(b) as the result of the work accomplished by him.
The effect of the Redeemer‘s sorrows, and of God‘s merciful help, would be that great numbers would learn to put their trust in God, or would become his true friends. No man, in fact, can compute the “numbers” of those who, in consequence of the work of the Messiah, will turn to God and become his true worshippers and friends.
Psalms 40:3 “And He hath put a new song in my mouth.”
The new song on earth
I. We have here A man wondering to find himself singing. God had put a new song into his mouth, and it was a marvel even to himself. What makes you wonder so? Other people sing: why is it at all a wonder that you should? He answers, “It is a wonder that I should sing, because I have been so used to sighing. I had my evening moans and groans, for sin was heavy upon me, and an angry God seemed to make the darkness about me a darkness that might be felt. Had you seen me then, you would not think it strange that I should be a wonder to myself that now I sing.” Well, I can see why you are astonished at your singing; is there any other reason? “Yes,” he answers, “if you had known me a little farther back, before I came under the hand of God, and was awakened to a sense of sin, you would have known a fellow that could sing; but the wonder now is that I can sing ‘ a new song.’ I am glad, sir, that you did not hear me sing in those days, for my songs would have done you no good. It is not only called a new song because it is new to us, but because it is so uncommon. Rich and rare things are often called in the Bible new. There is a new covenant, a new commandment, etc. And, oh, the praises of God are indeed rich and rare! And, truth to tell, there is a wonder about our new song because it is always new. Do you ever tire–you who love your Lord–do you ever tire of Him? You who praise Him, do you ever weary of singing His praises?
II. We have here A man who is resolved to keep on singing, for, you notice, he says, “He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see, and fear, add shall trust in the Lord”; so that this man means to keep on singing. I must have you back again, old friend, and ask you why it is that you mean to keep on singing. He answers, first, “Because I cannot help it.” When God sets a man singing, he must sing. Good Rowland Hill once had sitting on the pulpit-stairs a person who sang with such a cracked, squeaking voice that it put the dear man out of heart; and this person with the cracked voice of course sang more loudly than anybody else. So Mr. Hill said to him, while the hymn was being sung, “Be quiet, my good man, you make such a dreadful noise that you put us all out.” “Oh!” said the man, “I am singing from my heart, Mr. Hill.” “I beg your pardon, my friend,” said the preacher, “go on, go on, go on with your singing if it comes from your heart.” So we would not stop any man, whatever his voice is, if he sings from his heart. But do not sing before everybody; perhaps it would be casting pearls before swine. “Oh!” says he, “but I must; I mean to sing before many.” Why? “Well, I used to sing before many in my evil days. I was not ashamed to sing for the devil. When I ought to have been ashamed I was not; and now that I ought not to be ashamed, I will not be ashamed, and I will sing. Besides, why should I be so tender and considerate of their nerves? They are not thoughtful about mine.” Still, do you think that it is worth while to sing at this rate? “Yes,” says he, “I do, for I believe that it is good for them to hear it.” Do you? What good can it do them? And he answers me thus. “Look at your text, sir, and you will not need to ask me that question; what does your text say? . . . Many shall see, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The saved man’s new song
When Charles Wesley was impressed with the thought that he ought to live a different life to that which he was living, a more distinctly Christian life–he was anxious from this very point to get a satisfactory answer to the question, “Is it necessary to acknowledge Christ openly, to tell to people that I am a Christian?” And, walking in the streets one day, he met a holy, saintly Moravian minister, and he asked him, in the course of conversation, “Is it really necessary that I should openly confess Christ?” That good, blessed man said to him, “If you had a thousand tongues, use them all in telling of your Saviour.” Well, he sought and found the great blessing of peace through Jesus Christ; and then you know what followed, and what always comes in Christian experience. He did not need to ask men whether he should tell others that he had found the pearl of great price; he sat down, and he wrote that hymn–
Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The riches of His grace!
Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord,–

The power of a good life
We are not alone in anything we do. We are connected from the cradle to the grave with many others. We have our family, and our kindred, our social friends, our business connections, our neighbours and fellow-citizens. Upon all these we exercise influence, both consciously and unconsciously. By our uprightness they are strengthened, by our courage they are cheered, by our perseverance they are confirmed in the love of right. Every person is thus a preacher to his neighbour; and the most powerful of all eloquence is the eloquence of a virtuous life. It is a testimony to the whole world that religion is not utopian. It can be practised and realized; for here it is done. When a parent adds to the gentle precepts of true religion delivered to his children, the practice of a just, a patient, loving life, he preaches to his household in golden words. When a Christian tradesman shows a spirit of honour and rectitude in his dealings, a desire to afford full justice to his customer, as well as to himself, he preaches with the utmost force the sermon, “Go thou and do likewise.” The best sermon any one can preach on patience is actual calmness under provocation. The preaching of truly good lives is what the world now most needs. It is the one sweet note having the power to reduce to harmony all the discords of mankind. (J. Bailey, Ph. D.)
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God,…. Sung by him in the midst of the great congregation of angels and saints, upon his resurrection, ascension, and session at the right hand of God; see Psalm 22:22; when he went to his God and ours, to his Father and ours; and in which song he is joined by all his people above and below, Revelation 5:9;
many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord; even all the elect of God, as many as are ordained to eternal life; the many whose sins Christ bore, for whom he became a ransom, whom he justifies and brings to glory: these all “see” him in the horrible pit and miry clay, in his state of humiliation, as bearing their sins, and the punishment due unto them; as wounded, bruised, and crucified; as rising again for their justification; and as on Mount Zion crowned with glory and honour; and a multitude of harpers with him, singing the new song; these see the salvation he has wrought out, the glory, fulness, and suitableness of it, and their interest in it; and they “fear” not with a fear of hell and damnation, which is inconsistent with the trust after mentioned; but with a godly and filial fear, which arises from and is encouraged by the grace and goodness of God, their faith in the sufferings, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus, and which render him a proper object of trust and confidence; for he is so both as suffering, crucified, and slain, and as risen again, and exalted at the Father’s right hand, Galatians 2:20.
Psalms 40:3
I. Consider the “new songs” already put into the mouths of Christians. (1) Coming to Christ and conversion to God are materials for a “new song.” (2) Few leave the Lord’s Table after their first communion without a new song in their mouth of praise to their God. (3) God in springtime renews the face of the earth, and there are corresponding renewal of our spiritual life. (4) A good hope when first given is a new song; and this good hope when renewed, when made more alive and effectual, is a new song.
II. Grand and glorious new songs are in our future. There is the song of victory over death. The first moment after death will put a new song in our mouth, and as certainly—more certainly—our entrance to heaven will do the same.
III. Let the text excite us to go through life with songs. Let us sing that which God gives us to sing. In plain words, let us acknowledge our obligations to “the Father of all mercies” and the God of all consolation; and let us so acknowledge them as to awaken praise to our God. We are all called to be singers, and we are called to sing new songs.
Was not this the case both with Christ and his church, when Jehovah raised the body of Christ from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might? Ephesians 1:20-21. And were not many convinced by the Holy Ghost of the truth as it is in Jesus, brought over to the interest of God and of his Christ, and made followers of God as dear children? Acts 2:41.
He hath put a new song in my mouth; partly by giving me new matter or occasion for a song; and partly by inspiring me with the very words of it.
Shall see it, i.e. shall observe God’s wonderful mercies vouchsafed to me.
And fear, i.e. shall stand in awe of that God, who by this instance they see to have so great power, either to save or to destroy, and tremble at his judgments, and give him that reverence, and worship, and obedience which he requires. Yet their fear shall not drive them from God, or bring them into despair, but shall draw them to God, and be attended with trusting in God.
3. New song—Because suited to a new occasion of mercy. Psalms 33:3.
Many shall see it—The deliverance is such that all who knew of the affliction would take knowledge of the signal mercy, and give thanks to God. All divine dispensations to individuals are intended also for a
Psalms 40:3. He hath put a new song into my mouth — Both by giving me new matter for a song, and by inspiring me with the very words of it. Many shall see it — Shall observe God’s wonderful mercies vouchsafed to me; and fear — Shall stand in awe of that God, whom they see to have so great power, either to save or to destroy; and shall trust in the Lord Their fear shall not drive them from God, but draw them to him, and be attended with trusting in him.
PRAISE IS A WEAPON OF WARFARE
PRAISE is a weapon. Praise confuses the enemy. In the Bible there are various examples of how praise was used in battles to help secure victories. Worship and praise breaks the oppression of the enemy. Praise is a weapon that we should use to help us to win spiritual battles and to further comes from the Latin word “pretium”, meaning price. Prize is a variation of this word. Originally it meant “to set a great price on”. So when we praise God, we are placing a great value on Him and His acts.
God sees us as His “treasured possession”
“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” – Deuteronomy 7:6
“Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.” – Exodus 19:5
Now God wants to be our Treasure and our First Love.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
“Jesus replied: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37
“But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place- unless you repent.” – Revelation 2:4-5
PRAISING GOD IS COMMUNICATING WHO GOD IS, WHAT HE HAS DONE, AND WHAT HE CAN DO. PRAISE IS A WEAPON AGAINST EVIL & THE ENEMIES OF GOD
1. PRAISE HONORS GOD
In Luke 11 Jesus taught us to begin prayer with praise in order to honor and glorify God. Psalm 29:1-2 tells us to give God the glory that is due Him. Praise helps us to focus on God, and who He is, and His greatness.
“And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.” – Luke 11:2
“Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in holy array.” – Psalm 29:1-2
2. PRASE HELPS US FOCUS ON GOD
Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabits the praises of His people. As we praise Him we raise up a throne or structure for Him to fill (2 Chronicles 5:13). Praise sensitizes us to God’s presence, and helps us take our focus off of ourselves and onto Him.
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” – Psalm 22:3
“in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the LORD saying, “He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” then the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud.” – 2 Chronicles 5:13
3. PRAISE HELPS US TO KNOW GOD
It helps us to focus on His character and His attributes. As we praise Him we rehearse our knowledge of Him, and we come to know Him as what we praise Him to be.
4. PRAISE BREAKS THE ENEMY’S OPPRESSION
In Acts 16:25-26 Paul and Silas praised God and the doors in the prison they were in were opened and they escaped. Praise lifts us out of oppression, and praising God also helps us out of our self-centered ways.
“But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. – Acts 16:25-26
5. PRAISE CONFUSES THE ENEMY & FORCES OF EVIL
Praise is a spiritual weapon. The power of praise in battles is shown in 2 Chronicles 20, Psalm 8:2, and Psalm 149:5-9. Praise helps us to focus on God and realize our need for Him, and thus turn the battle over to Him. When we do this, God will then bring Victory. This makes Praise and Prayer and Dependence on God great weapons in Spiritual Battles
“Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).” Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the LORD; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD.” – 2 Chronicles 20:1-4
“O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” – 2 Chronicles 20:12
Do Not Be Afraid – The Battle Is The Lord’s
“Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” – 2 Chronicles 20:15
“When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the LORD and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” 22When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed.” – 2 Chronicles 20:21-22
Praise Is A Weapon
Praise is a weapon that is very effective in pushing back the forces of evil. It is also very effective in helping us to better focus on God in our quiet time with Him and in our daily lives. Praise helps us to focus on God and thus have better intimate communication with Him and to hear God’s voice. Hearing God’s voice is the most important part of our fellowship time with God. Praise also helps us to know God in real and personal ways, rather than just know about God.
“And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord” – Psalm 27:6
Pursuing Intimacy With God is committed to helping you with the most important thing in your life… your intimacy with God , your fellowship with Him, and your partnership with God in His Kingdom work and mission.
Understanding the miracle power of praise!
Psalm 47:1-7
Recognize that though we pray according to God’s will and receive in faith, we must recognize that praise is the spiritual signature required to take delivery of our answered prayer parcels. When we pray, God answers; but when we praise, He steps in with all His power and might.This is why we can praise our way out of every valley into the high places of life. Therefore, it is not enough for us to believe, we must also engage in fervent praise to harvest answers to our fervent prayers (Psalms 47:5-7, 67:6; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Acts 16:25-30).
Moreover, thanksgiving and praise constitute the spiritual live wire of our prayer life. This is because we secure access in prayers through praise and also take delivery of answers through same. That is what qualifies praise to be the covenant sickle of harvest for answered prayers (Psalm 100:4; Philippians 4:6; Joel 3:13).
For instance, when Jesus got to the tomb of Lazarus, He turned on the key of praise to take delivery and said, “…Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.” Thereafter, He called forth Lazarus and the Bible records, “And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:41-44).
BUT, WHAT IS IN PRAISE?
Praise is a mountain-moving force: We must recognize that even though God has released certain blessings to us, they are being contested by the enemy (Deut. 2:24; 1 Cor. 16:9). For instance, when Daniel waited on the Lord in a fast for 21 days, the Bible records that the answer was dispatched on the first day; however, the prince of Persia withstood the delivery until help came from heaven (Daniel 10:12-13).
Let us understand that there are resistances that we must contend with, before we can possess and take delivery of answers to our prayers. One of the ways through which we clear these resistances is through the medium of mountain-moving praise. This is not casual praise, but warfare praise.
Let us examine some scriptural examples that qualify praise as a mountain-moving force.
•When Judah was confronted by terrible enemies, they prayed and fasted. Then, God instructed them to appoint singers and they sang to the warfront. When they began to sing and praise God, God set ambushments against their enemies and they were all smitten (2 Chronicles 20:22-23).
High praise is the medium through which we provoke help from above, to level out the barriers on our path. Furthermore, we understand from scriptures that when praise is perfected, our enemies are silenced. Thus, it is wisdom to engage the potent weapon of praise (Matthew 21:16).
•When the wall of Jericho stood as a barrier against the children of Israel, the sickle of praise levelled that wall and they conquered (Joshua 6:20).
•When the Israelites sang their way out of Egypt, God’s presence was in their midst and it cleared every barrier off their way. For instance, when they were confronted with the barrier of the Red Sea on their way to the Promised Land, it parted at their appearance. Even the mountains and the hills gave way to them.
It is important to understand that God dwells in the praises of His people and we invoke divine presence through praise, which clears off every barrier on our path (Exodus 15:1-5; Psalm 114). However, we discovered from scriptures that God’s Word is a major facilitator of praise (Jer.15:16; See also Psalm 56:10).
We must recognize that revelation of the Word stimulates joy and that joy springs forth praise. That is why people who walk in revelation are ever joyful, because praise focuses on the efficacy of what is written and not what is happening.