Bible Commentaries
Psalms 95

Verses 1-11

We pause here to note a connection between a group of psalms, viz., Psalms 93:1-5; Psalms 93:1-5; Psalms 94:1-23; Psalms 95:1-11; Psalms 96:1-13; Psalms 97:1-12; Psalms 98:1-9; Psalms 99:1-9; Psalms 100:1-5. These eight constitute the songs of the King, arranged in conformity with the needs of the people. The first ( Psa 93:1-5 ) affirms His enthronement and government. The nest ( Psa 94:1-23 ) expresses the hope of His people even in the midst of circumstances of trial. Then follow six, dealing with the fact of His Kingship in varied ways.

The present one declares His supremacy, and utters a note of warning against that which must inevitably hinder His people from realising the Rest of His reign. Calling first for praise to the King, the singer celebrates His supremacy. He is above all other authority, and is the God of all nature. He is, moreover, the God of His people; and therefore they should worship in submission and reverence before Him (vv. Psalms 95:1-7 a). Then the warning note follows reminding them of the sins of their fathers which, as to their cause, consisted in failure of faith, which expressed itself in refusal to bow in submission to His will. That sin excluded them from rest, and the children are warned to profit by the ancient story. Such a King demands loyalty, and it must be more than that of a song; it must express itself in submission to His government.