John Calvin Commentary Psalms 104:1

"Bless Jehovah, O my soul. O Jehovah my God, thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honor and majesty:" — Psalms 104:1 (ASV)

Bless Jehovah, O my soul! After exhorting himself to praise God, the Psalmist adds that there is abundant matter for such an exercise, thus indirectly condemning himself and others for ingratitude if the praises of God—which ought to be better known and more celebrated than anything else—are buried in silence.

In comparing the light with which he represents God as arrayed to a garment, he implies that although God is invisible, His glory is still sufficiently conspicuous. Regarding His essence, God undoubtedly dwells in light that is inaccessible; but as He irradiates the whole world with His splendor, this is the garment in which He, who is hidden in Himself, appears in a way visible to us.

The knowledge of this truth is of the greatest importance. If people attempt to reach the infinite height to which God is exalted, even if they could fly above the clouds, they would inevitably fail midway. Those who seek to see Him in His naked majesty are certainly very foolish.

For us to enjoy His light, He must come into view with His clothing; that is, we must turn our eyes to the very beautiful fabric of the world in which He wishes to be seen by us, and not be too curious or rash in searching into His secret essence.

Now, since God presents Himself to us clothed with light, those who are seeking pretexts for living without the knowledge of Him cannot claim that He is hidden in profound darkness as an excuse for their laziness. When it is said that the heavens are a curtain, it is not meant that God hides Himself under them, but that His majesty and glory are displayed by them, as they are, so to speak, His royal pavilion.