Psalms 138:2

Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy Name.

The Word of God the highest manifestation

I. It is the highest manifestation of the Divine character.

1. The Bible is a manifestation through moral mind. This is greater than material nature; for the following reasons:--Moral mind is an uncompounded essence. It is a Divine offspring. It is a self-modifying agent. It is an original fountain of influences. You cannot predicate these things of matter.

2. It is a manifestation through the moral mind of a unique personage. Compare Christ with the greatest men.

II. It is the highest manifestation for the highest end.

1. It is a restoration. Restoration is a greater work either than destruction or sustentation.

2. It is the restoration of immortal souls. The restoration of a wrecked vessel may be a great work, the restoration of a dead flower is a greater, that of a body is still greater, the restoration of a disorganized empire is still greater, but that of an immortal soul is the greatest of all.

3. It is the restoration of a condemned criminal to a high position in the Divine empire. “Kings and priests,” etc.

4. It is the restoration of a diseased soul to immortal health and ever-increasing energy. (Homilist.)

The honour God puts upon His Word

I. What is meant by magnifying this word above all thy name?

1. It means putting special honour upon it; and this God has done--

(1) In the manner of revealing it.

(2) In the subject-matter of the revelation itself; and--

(3) In the special care He has taken to preserve it in its integrity and entirety.

2. It means giving it the first and chief place in the system of truths and agencies for the enlightenment and salvation of the world. And this is what God in His providence, as well as in His Sovereign purpose, has done.

(1) The Scriptures alone reveal God in Christ.

(2) The Scriptures alone direct the perishing soul to the Lamb of God which taketh away sin.

(3) The Scriptures alone teach the immortality of existence, the resurrection of the dead, and the certainty of future awards and punishments.

II. How God magnifies His Word.

1. By making it the power of God in the conversion of the soul. The only voice that can calm and inspire hope is the voice that sounds from Calvary out of God’s written Word.

2. By making it a sanctifying Word. Nothing but this will make them holy and fit for heaven. The philosophies and teachings of men never did and cannot do it.

3. By making it a comforting and a saving Word. It is the Christian’s solace. It helps him over life’s rough way. It is food, and drink, and shelter to him in his pilgrimage. It sweetens every cup. It kindles hope and assurance as the end draws nigh. It lights up the death chamber and puts the words of victory on the lips of the departing saint. (Homiletic Review.)

God’s Word magnified

I. Explain.

1. God’s “Word” is revelation in general, especially the doctrines of salvation--those which we justly call the fundamental principles of the Gospel.

2. God’s “Name” is His renown. Whether in His works or in His providence, He has fastened it upon His Word above all others (Psalms 111:1.).

II. Apply. God has magnified His Word above all other displays of Himself, of His eternal power and Godhead, and of the glory of His dominion--

1. As a revelation of His nature.

2. As an instructor in His works.

3. As an interpreter of His providence.

4. As a declaration of His will.

5. As a manifestation of His grace.

6. As an exhibition of His perfections.

7. As the instrument of His power. By this He subdues and renovates the obstinate and rebellious hearts of men. (W. Collyer.)