Psalms 100 Commentary
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalms 100 is a powerful and joyous call to worship, extending an invitation to all the earth to celebrate God's goodness and sovereignty. This psalm, a cornerstone of praise, resonates with themes that continue to inspire worship songs and hymns today. Positioned as the concluding psalm within the "royal psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-100), it echoes the proclamation of God's sovereignty, universal goodness, and the duty of all nations to submit to Him. In many ways, Psalms 100 serves as a parallel to Psalms 150, both psalms invite everyone and everything to praise the Lord.
A Universal Call to Joyful Worship (Psalms 100:1-2)
Psalms 100:1 calls on the whole earth to shout triumphantly to God! Worship, as portrayed in the Bible, is not intended to be a subdued or somber affair. Rather, it is a vibrant and emotionally engaging experience. It's not just an intellectual exercise, but a full-hearted response to who God is and all that He has done. The invitation is extended to "the whole earth," emphasizing that all peoples are welcome and encouraged to participate in this celebration of God. No one is excluded from this opportunity to recognize God for who He is, what He has done, and what we trust Him to do.
Psalms 100:2 continues this emphasis on emotion, urging us to "Serve the LORD with gladness." The sovereign God of the universe invites us into His presence to serve Him. How could anyone receive such a remarkable invitation with indifference? We are encouraged to "come before him with joyful songs," reminding us that we wouldn't approach an earthly king or ruler with apathy. Therefore, when we approach God, we should not be listless, but sing with gusto and enthusiasm.
Recognizing God's Sovereignty and Relationship (Psalms 100:3)
Psalms 100:3 declares, "The LORD is God," which translates the Hebrew phrase, "Yahweh is Elohim." "Yahweh" is the name of God revealed in His covenant relationship with His people. "Elohim" speaks of power; He is the one who created the heavens and the earth. This powerful God desires a relationship with you and deserves our recognition. After all, He made us, and we are His sheep. He is our Creator and Sustainer, the source of everything we need. Knowing who God is, and what He has done, should inspire those who love Him to respond with enthusiastic praise.
Entering His Presence with Thanksgiving (Psalms 100:4)
Psalms 100:4 directs us to "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." While we may not physically enter a temple today, we are still commanded to enter into His presence. The "password" for entrance is thanksgiving and praise. Regardless of our circumstances, there is always a reason to thank God. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude transforms us and opens our hearts to experience His presence more fully.
Experiencing God's Goodness and Faithfulness (Psalms 100:5)
Psalms 100:5 proclaims, "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Verse 5 uses the Hebrew root word he'sed, referring to a constant, loyal, deep love. God's love extends to everyone (John 3:16), and proof of His existence is available to all people (Psalms 19:1; Romans 1:18–20). As Creator (Genesis 1:1), God is even more deserving of our obedience and praise. To truly experience His goodness and faithfulness, we must "taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalms 34:8). Therefore, we are encouraged to worship Him, trust Him, and obey Him. We will not be disappointed. God's goodness and faithfulness are not fleeting; they endure forever, offering a firm foundation for our lives and our worship.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalms 100 is a powerful and joyous call to worship, extending an invitation to all the earth to celebrate God's goodness and sovereignty. This psalm, a cornerstone of praise, resonates with themes that continue to inspire worship songs and hymns today. Positioned as the concluding psalm within the "royal psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-100), it echoes the proclamation of God's sovereignty, universal goodness, and the duty of all nations to submit to Him. In many ways, Psalms 100 serves as a parallel to Psalms 150, both psalms invite everyone and everything to praise the Lord.
A Universal Call to Joyful Worship (Psalms 100:1-2)
Psalms 100:1 calls on the whole earth to shout triumphantly to God! Worship, as portrayed in the Bible, is not intended to be a subdued or somber affair. Rather, it is a vibrant and emotionally engaging experience. It's not just an intellectual exercise, but a full-hearted response to who God is and all that He has done. The invitation is extended to "the whole earth," emphasizing that all peoples are welcome and encouraged to participate in this celebration of God. No one is excluded from this opportunity to recognize God for who He is, what He has done, and what we trust Him to do.
Psalms 100:2 continues this emphasis on emotion, urging us to "Serve the LORD with gladness." The sovereign God of the universe invites us into His presence to serve Him. How could anyone receive such a remarkable invitation with indifference? We are encouraged to "come before him with joyful songs," reminding us that we wouldn't approach an earthly king or ruler with apathy. Therefore, when we approach God, we should not be listless, but sing with gusto and enthusiasm.
Recognizing God's Sovereignty and Relationship (Psalms 100:3)
Psalms 100:3 declares, "The LORD is God," which translates the Hebrew phrase, "Yahweh is Elohim." "Yahweh" is the name of God revealed in His covenant relationship with His people. "Elohim" speaks of power; He is the one who created the heavens and the earth. This powerful God desires a relationship with you and deserves our recognition. After all, He made us, and we are His sheep. He is our Creator and Sustainer, the source of everything we need. Knowing who God is, and what He has done, should inspire those who love Him to respond with enthusiastic praise.
Entering His Presence with Thanksgiving (Psalms 100:4)
Psalms 100:4 directs us to "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." While we may not physically enter a temple today, we are still commanded to enter into His presence. The "password" for entrance is thanksgiving and praise. Regardless of our circumstances, there is always a reason to thank God. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude transforms us and opens our hearts to experience His presence more fully.
Experiencing God's Goodness and Faithfulness (Psalms 100:5)
Psalms 100:5 proclaims, "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Verse 5 uses the Hebrew root word he'sed, referring to a constant, loyal, deep love. God's love extends to everyone (John 3:16), and proof of His existence is available to all people (Psalms 19:1; Romans 1:18–20). As Creator (Genesis 1:1), God is even more deserving of our obedience and praise. To truly experience His goodness and faithfulness, we must "taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalms 34:8). Therefore, we are encouraged to worship Him, trust Him, and obey Him. We will not be disappointed. God's goodness and faithfulness are not fleeting; they endure forever, offering a firm foundation for our lives and our worship.