Bible Commentaries
Psalms 95

Verses 1-11

PSALM 95

The nation of Israel called upon to turn to Jehovah with thanksgiving, in view of the coming of Christ to earth to bring the nation into rest.

(vv. 1-2) The godly remnant appeal to the nation to come before the Lord - who is the rock of their salvation - with songs of praise.

(vv. 3-5) The ground of this appeal is the glory of Jehovah. Jehovah is a great God, and a great King above all that exercise rule. The deep places of the earth are in His hand, and the heights of the hills are His. There is no depth beyond His reach, and no height above His rule. He made the sea, and formed the dry land. The One who comes to rule is “above all”; Possessor of all the earth, and the Maker of all things.

(vv. 6-7) The godly delight to confess that the One who made the sea, and the dry land is “our Maker,” and “our God.” Moreover they say, We are His - “We are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.” The people of God are prone to look to second causes for the provision of their needs, and for protection from their enemies. They are in danger of forgetting that God has pasture to meet every need, and a hand to protect from every foe.

Once again grace gives the nation opportunity to submit to God and own that Jehovah is the rock of their salvation. “Today” is a day of grace and salvation.

(vv. 8-11) Grace rejected must end in judgment. Hence Israel is warned not to act as their fathers who hardened their hearts in the wilderness. Though they saw God's “work” for them, they erred in their hearts, and would have none of God's ways. In result they could not enter into God's rest.