Bible Commentaries
Psalms 100

Introduction

Psalms 100:0

STROPHE DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE (see “Guide to Good Bible Reading”)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Etc.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. This brief Psalm has seven imperatives directed at YHWH's people.

1. shout, Psalms 100:1 - BDB 929, KB 1206, Hiphil cf. Psalms 47:1; Psalms 95:1, Psalms 95:2

2. serve, Psalms 100:2 - BDB 712, KB 773, Qal, cf. Exodus 3:12; Exodus 4:23; Deuteronomy 6:13; 1 Samuel 7:3; 1 Chronicles 28:9

3. come, Psalms 100:2 - BDB 97, KB 112, Qal

4. know (i.e., in the sense of “affirm in worship”), Psalms 100:3 - BDB 393, KB 390, Qal

5. enter, Psalms 100:4 - BDB 97, KB 112, Qal, cf. Psalms 96:8

6. give thanks, Psalms 100:4 - BDB 392, KB 389, Hiphil

7. bless, Psalms 100:4 - BDB 138, KB 159, Piel

B. The only verb (perfect) that is not an imperative is in Psalms 100:3b, which describes YHWH's election and deliverance of Israel (i.e., Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:12-21).

1. He made us - Psalms 95:6; Psalms 119:73

2. Israel is His flock - Psalms 23:1; Psalms 74:1; Psalms 95:7; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:31 (also a Messianic reference, Ezekiel 34:23; Micah 5:4; Zechariah 11:0; John 10:11, John 10:14-16)

C. There is no verbal in Psalms 100:5. A “to be” verb must be supplied. Psalm 3:b,c and 5 describe YHWH Himself and His redemptive activity.

D. Some scholars (i.e., UBS Handbook, NASB Study Bible) believe this Psalm is the concluding doxology of the “kingship Psalms” (i.e., Psalms 93:0; 95-99). The term “king” is not used, but Psalms 100:3b-c may be an allusion to it.

Verses 4-5

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 100:4-5 4Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 5For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 100:5 Notice how YHWH is characterized (see SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD).

1. good, cf. Psalms 106:1; Psalms 117:1; Psalms 118:1, Psalms 118:29; Jeremiah 33:1,

2. merciful, see SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVINGKINDNESS (HESED)

3. everlasting, see Special Topic: Forever (‘olam)

4. faithful, see Special Topic: Believe, Trust, Faith and Faithfulness in the OT

5. to all through time

a. either Israel or

b. all humans who trust Him

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. To whom is this Psalm addressed?

2. To what creative act is Psalms 100:3b referring?

3. List and define the main theological words in Psalms 100:5.