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Psalms 95:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
George Warnock
Gerhard Du Toit
Ed Miller
Paris Reidhead
Jim CymbalaKeith SimonsSummary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
O come, let us sing unto the Lord,.... To Jehovah the Messiah, the Lord our righteousness; setting forth, in songs of praise, the glory of his person, the riches of his grace, and our thankfulness to him for spiritual mercies by him: Christ is to be the subject of our spiritual songs, and is the person to whose honour and glory they should be directed: in the New Testament we are instructed to sing unto the Lord, the Lord Christ, Eph 5:19, and this is what Pliny (a) tells Trajan, the Roman emperor, the Christians in his time did; they sung a hymn to Christ, as to a God: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation; to Christ, the Rock, Co1 10:4, a Rock, for height, being higher than the saints, than the kings of the earth, than the angels in heaven, than the heavens themselves; for strength, being the mighty God, and mighty Saviour; for shelter, being the saints security from avenging justice and wrath to come: a Rock, on which the church and all believers are built, and which endures for ever; "the Rock of salvation", being the author of spiritual and eternal salvation, and the strength and security of it; not only is he strong to do it, but, being done by him, it is safe in him; wherefore shouts of joy and songs of praise are due unto him. This shows that vocal singing is meant, singing with an harmonious and musical voice; and that social singing, or singing in concert together, is intended. The Septuagint renders it, "to God our Saviour", Luk 1:47. (a) Ep. l. 10. ep. 97.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The psalmist here, as often elsewhere, stirs up himself and others to praise God; for it is a duty which ought to be performed with the most lively affections, and which we have great need to be excited to, being very often backward to it and cold in it. Observe, I. How God is to be praised. 1. With holy joy and delight in him. The praising song must be a joyful noise, Psa 95:1 and again Psa 95:2. Spiritual joy is the heart and soul of thankful praise. It is the will of God (such is the condescension of his grace) that when we give glory to him as a being infinitely perfect and blessed we should, at the same time, rejoice in him as our Father and King, and a God in covenant with us. 2. With humble reverence, and a holy awe of him (Psa 95:6): "Let us worship, and bow down, and kneel before him, as becomes those who know what an infinite distance there is between us and God, how much we are in danger of his wrath and in need of his mercy." Though bodily exercise, alone, profits little, yet certainly it is our duty to glorify God with our bodies by the outward expressions of reverence, seriousness, and humility, in the duties of religious worship. 3. We must praise God with our voice; we must speak forth, sing forth, his praises out of the abundance of a heart filled with love, and joy, and thankfulness - Sing to the Lord; make a noise, a joyful noise to him, with psalms - as those who are ourselves much affected with his greatness and goodness, are forward to own ourselves so, are desirous to be more and more affected therewith, and would willingly be instrumental to kindle and inflame the same pious and devout affection in others also. 4. We must praise God in concert, in the solemn assemblies: "Come, let us sing; let us join in singing to the Lord; not others without me, nor I alone, but others with me. Let us come together before his presence, in the courts of his house, where his people are wont to attend him and to expect his manifestations of himself." Whenever we come into God's presence we must come with thanksgiving that we are admitted to such a favour; and, whenever we have thanks to give, we must come before God's presence, set ourselves before him, and present ourselves to him in the ordinances which he has appointed. II. Why God is to be praised and what must be the matter of our praise. We do not want matter; it were well if we did not want a heart. We must praise God, 1. Because he is a great God, and sovereign Lord of all, Psa 95:3. He is great, and therefore greatly to be praised. He is infinite and immense, and has all perfection in himself. (1.) He has great power: He is a great King above all gods, above all deputed deities, all magistrates, to whom he said, You are gods (he manages them all, and serves his own purposes by them, and to him they are all accountable), above all counterfeit deities, all pretenders, all usurpers; he can do that which none of them can do; he can, and will, famish and vanquish them all. (2.) He has great possessions. This lower world is here particularly specified. We reckon those great men who have large territories, which they call their own against all the world, which yet are a very inconsiderable part of the universe: how great then is that God whose the whole earth is, and the fulness thereof, not only under whose feet it is, as he has an incontestable dominion over all the creatures and a propriety in them, but in whose hand it is, as he has the actual directing and disposing of all (Psa 95:4); even the deep places of the earth, which are out of our sight, subterraneous springs and mines, are in his hand; and the height of the hills which are out of our reach, whatever grows or feeds upon them, is his also. This may be taken figuratively: the meanest of the children of men, who are as the low places of the earth, are not beneath his cognizance; and the greatest, who are as the strength of the hills, are not above his control. Whatever strength is in any creature it is derived from God and employed for him (Psa 95:5): The sea is his, and all that is in it (the waves fulfil his word); it is his, for he made it, gathered its waters and fixed its shores; the dry land, though given to the children of men, is his too, for he still reserved the property to himself; it is his, for his hands formed it, when his word made the dry land appear. His being the Creator of all makes him, without dispute, the owner of all. This being a gospel psalm, we may very well suppose that it is the Lord Jesus whom we are here taught to praise. He is a great God; the mighty God is one of his titles, and God over all, blessed for evermore. As Mediator, he is a great King above all gods; by him kings reign; and angels, principalities, and powers, are subject to him; by him, as the eternal Word, all things were made (Joh 1:3), and it was fit he should be the restorer and reconciler of all who was the Creator of all, Col 1:16, Col 1:20. To him all power is given both in heaven and in earth, and into his hand all things are delivered. It is he that sets one foot on the sea and the other on the earth, as sovereign Lord of both (Rev 10:2), and therefore to him we must sing our songs of praise, and before him we must worship and bow down. 2. Because he is our God, not only has a dominion over us, as he has over all the creatures, but stands in special relation to us (Psa 95:7): He is our God, and therefore it is expected we should praise him; who will, if we do not? What else did he make us for but that we should be to him for a name and a praise? (1.) He is our Creator, and the author of our being; we must kneel before the Lord our Maker, Psa 95:6. Idolaters kneel before gods which they themselves made; we kneel before a God who made us and all the world and who is therefore our rightful proprietor; for his we are, and not our own. (2.) He is our Saviour, and the author of our blessedness. He is here called the rock of our salvation (Psa 95:1), not only the founder, but the very foundation, of that work of wonder, on whom it is built. That rock is Christ; to him therefore we must sing our songs of praises, to him that sits upon the throne and to the Lamb. (3.) We are therefore his, under all possible obligations: We are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. All the children of men are so; they are fed and led by his Providence, which cares for them, and conducts them, as the shepherd the sheep. We must praise him, not only because he made us, but because he preserves and maintains us, and our breath and ways are in his hand. All the church's children are in a special manner so; Israel are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand; and therefore he demands their homage in a special manner. The gospel church is his flock. Christ is the great and good Shepherd of it. We, as Christians, are led by his hand into the green pastures, by him we are protected and well provided for, to his honour and service we are entirely devoted as a peculiar people, and therefore to him must be glory in the churches (whether it be in the world or no) throughout all ages, Eph 3:21.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Ps 95 This call to worship urges the people to respond to the Lord, the Shepherd, and to follow him faithfully. The previous generation, who refused to obey, did not receive the blessings of the Promised Land.
Psalms 95:1
Do Not Harden Your Hearts
1Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! 2Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Charlotte Seminar 5-27-00 Pm
By George Warnock2.4K1:19:58SeminarEXO 13:21EXO 16:4EXO 17:6PSA 95:1ROM 4:202CO 3:6HEB 3:10In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the Israelites' journey in the wilderness for 40 years. Despite witnessing numerous miracles and provisions from God, the generation of Israelites during that time did not truly know God or understand His ways. The preacher emphasizes the importance of genuine worship and praise, rather than using it as a form of entertainment. He also highlights the faithfulness of God in providing for His people, such as giving them manna from heaven and water from a rock. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's power and victory in the story of Gideon and how God fought for His people.
Developing Personal Leadership
By Gerhard Du Toit1.8K1:09:57LeadershipPSA 95:1PSA 147:7PSA 149:1MAT 6:33EPH 5:18COL 3:16JAS 1:22In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses various topics related to the preaching of the word of God. He mentions the importance of leaders having a clear mission and being focused on it. The speaker also talks about the concept of temptation, providing definitions, reasons for its existence, and the process of overcoming it. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of the infilling of God's Spirit and how it can empower believers to face persecution and opposition. The transcript concludes with a prayer and gratitude for the work of the Holy Spirit in people's lives.
(Ephesians) a True Theology Produces a True Doxology
By Jeff Noblit1.2K1:05:15EphesiansPSA 95:1PSA 103:1PSA 150:6MAT 6:33EPH 1:3COL 3:162PE 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible love and sacrifice of God the Father in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to save the world. The preacher marvels at the concept of the incarnation, where God became flesh and dwelt among us. The sermon then focuses on the spiritual blessings that believers have received through Christ, with the goal of increasing praise, reverence, service, and obedience to God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having true knowledge and understanding of God's salvation in order to offer genuine praise and worship.
(The Royal Psalms) Part 1
By Ed Miller94956:06PSA 92:1PSA 93:1PSA 93:3PSA 94:1PSA 95:1PSA 96:1LUK 19:41In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the kingship of Christ as the foundation for our faith. He emphasizes that every person must begin with the basic truth that the Lord reigns and has absolute authority. Despite the troubles and opposition we may face, God's throne cannot be contradicted. The speaker encourages listeners to trust in God's sovereignty and to sing songs of rest, victory, and service as they grasp the three glories revealed in the Psalms.
The Discipline of Fellowship
By Paris Reidhead68837:44FellowshipPSA 95:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses two distinct points of view regarding the purpose of the gospel. The first point of view is that the main goal of the gospel is to save people from hell and secure them against punishment. This perspective sees the church as primarily an evangelistic society. The second point of view emphasizes a deeper understanding of the gospel, focusing on the glory of Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the church. The preacher calls for a commitment to Christ and a willingness to live in unity with other believers.
Why Not Sing
By Jim Cymbala43828:26Christian LifePSA 95:1In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of both teaching and worship in the church. He highlights the need for a balance between intellectual teaching and heartfelt worship, as both are necessary for a vibrant and healthy church. The pastor also mentions the power of music in connecting with God and encourages the congregation to sing praises and make music from their hearts. He reminds them that singing is not about showing off, but about expressing their love and devotion to God. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the church to be filled with singing and a reminder that God values the heart more than the quality of the music.
(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 30 Psalm 95
By Keith Simons4326:54KJV BibleWorshipObedience to GodPSA 95:1Keith Simons emphasizes the multifaceted nature of worship in his sermon on Psalm 95, highlighting the importance of joy, thanksgiving, and obedience to God. He explains that God is the 'rock of our salvation,' deserving of joyful praise and reverence, and encourages congregants to approach God with gratitude and humility. Simons warns against hardening one's heart when hearing God's voice, drawing parallels to the Israelites' disobedience in the wilderness. He stresses the need for a responsive heart that listens and obeys God's commands, as failure to do so can lead to spiritual consequences. Ultimately, he reminds listeners of God's greatness and care as the shepherd of His people.
Occupied With Praise
By A.W. Tozer0WorshipEternal PraisePSA 95:1PSA 150:6COL 3:16HEB 13:15REV 4:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes that our earthly attitudes towards worship and praise will not change after death. He argues that if we find it tedious to worship God now, we are unlikely to become enthusiastic worshipers in heaven. Tozer warns that God will not force us into a love for worship that we did not cultivate during our lives. He highlights the continuous praise of God in heaven as depicted in Revelation, urging believers to engage actively in worship while on earth rather than resting too often from glorifying God.
Footprints in Song
By A.W. Tozer0Personal Relationship with ChristWorshipPSA 95:1PSA 100:2EPH 5:19COL 3:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the need for a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ, contrasting the mechanical and utilitarian views of modern evangelicalism with the radiant Savior of the past. He argues that many Christians have a limited understanding of salvation, viewing it merely as a transaction rather than a transformative experience. To cultivate a richer spiritual life akin to that of biblical saints, Tozer suggests that engaging with hymns can be profoundly beneficial, as they encapsulate the heartfelt devotion of past believers. Singing and reading hymns allows worshippers to connect intimately with the expressions of love and devotion directed towards Christ. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a revival of genuine worship that transcends mere intellectual assent.
Worship in the Right Spirit.
By Gareth Evans0PSA 46:10PSA 95:1ECC 5:1ISA 29:13JHN 4:23Gareth Evans reflects on a powerful experience of singing hymns with thousands at Cardiff Arms Park, emphasizing the distinction between passionate singing and true worship. He highlights the danger of mistaking emotional singing for genuine worship, stressing the importance of being 'lost in wonder, love, and praise' in silent reverence before God. Evans echoes A.W. Tozer's concern about the loss of meditative worship in favor of constant singing, calling for a return to awe-inspiring moments of silence in God's presence.
Music
By John Follette0PSA 51:17PSA 95:1COL 3:16REV 5:11John Follette emphasizes the importance of hymns in worship, acknowledging personal preferences and frustrations with certain songs. He categorizes hymns into three types: experience hymns focusing on self, prayer hymns for specific requests, and worship hymns directed to God. Despite our limitations, when the Holy Spirit moves, our songs become a beautiful offering to God, though still falling short of the heavenly worship. Follette encourages humility in worship, asking God to accept our imperfect praise.
The Stone of Salvation or Destruction
By Horatius Bonar0Christ as the CornerstoneRejection and Acceptance of JesusGEN 49:24DEU 32:18DEU 32:311SA 23:3PSA 28:1PSA 95:1ISA 26:4ISA 28:16MAT 21:441PE 2:4Horatius Bonar explores the multifaceted significance of the 'stone' in Matthew 21:44, emphasizing its role as a symbol of Christ. He discusses how this stone represents rejection, honor, stumbling, and ultimately destruction, urging listeners to consider their response to Christ. Bonar highlights that acceptance of this stone leads to salvation, while rejection results in eternal consequences. He calls for a personal evaluation of one's relationship with Jesus, the cornerstone of faith, and warns of the impending judgment for those who do not embrace Him. The sermon serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing Christ's true value in our lives.
Songs to Live By
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual GrowthThe Power of HymnsPSA 95:1EPH 5:19COL 3:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the power of hymns in softening stubborn hearts and awakening emotions that prayer alone may not reach. He likens the human heart to an orchestra, suggesting that the right influences, like those from great hymn writers such as Watts and Wesley, are essential for guiding our spiritual melodies. Tozer advocates for the integration of hymn singing with Bible reading, highlighting how both can enrich a Christian's faith and understanding. He warns against being led by inappropriate influences and encourages a devotion to the hymnbook as a means of spiritual protection and growth.
Edwards' "Personal Narrative"
By Jonathan Edwards0PSA 95:1PSA 139:23ISA 32:2MAT 18:3LUK 10:21Jonathan Edwards shares his personal narrative of his spiritual journey, reflecting on his early religious experiences, struggles with sin, and deepening relationship with God. He describes his intense longing for holiness, his profound sense of sinfulness, and his growing dependence on God's grace and sovereignty. Edwards expresses his delight in the doctrines of the gospel, the glory of Christ, and the sweetness of the word of God. He emphasizes his desire for humility, brokenness before God, and a complete surrender to Christ. Through his experiences, Edwards reveals his ongoing spiritual growth, struggles with pride, and unwavering commitment to seeking God's will and living in obedience.
Methodist Hymnology Anticipates the Fullness of the Blessing
By Bishop W. F. Mallalieu0PSA 51:10PSA 95:1PSA 96:1JHN 4:23ACT 16:25EPH 3:17EPH 5:19COL 3:161TH 5:16REV 5:9Bishop W. F. Mallalieu reflects on the profound impact of the hymns of Methodism, particularly those by the Wesleys, which express a wide range of Christian experiences and emotions. He emphasizes the theological depth, Biblical accuracy, and experiential nature of the hymns, highlighting the Wesleys' exceptional intellectual and spiritual journey towards salvation and sanctification. Mallalieu underscores the hymns' ability to inspire, comfort, and guide believers in their pursuit of a deeper relationship with God, pointing out their unmatched quality and relevance in nurturing faith and Christian growth.
Spiritual Songs Hymnbook, Preface of 1881
By John Nelson Darby0WorshipHymnodyPSA 95:1EPH 5:19COL 3:16John Nelson Darby discusses the challenges and responsibilities involved in creating a new edition of the Spiritual Songs Hymnbook, emphasizing the need for sound doctrine, poetic spirit, and a deep experiential understanding of truth that connects the assembly with Christ. He highlights the importance of hymns that reflect the Father's love and Christ's presence, ensuring they are suitable for corporate worship rather than individual experiences. Darby warns against hymns that, while pious, may contain unscriptural elements that could mislead the congregation. He advocates for simplicity and collective expression in hymns, aiming to elevate the assembly's affections towards God. The preface concludes with a prayer for divine guidance in the hymnbook's use and effectiveness.
Glory to God
By A.W. Tozer0Holy SpiritWorshipPSA 95:1PSA 150:6JHN 4:24ROM 12:1HEB 13:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true worship arises from the anointing of the Holy Spirit, uniting believers in their praises to God, regardless of their individual styles of worship. He notes that while worship can be loud and exuberant, it is not solely defined by noise; rather, it is a heartfelt expression of reverence. Tozer challenges those who feel uncomfortable with vocal expressions of worship, suggesting they may lack the spiritual enlightenment that comes from the Holy Spirit. He expresses his desire to be part of a community that genuinely worships God, highlighting the joy and blessings that accompany such worship.
Notes - Spiritual Songs, Morrish Edition, 1882
By John Nelson Darby0The Father in WorshipWorship through HymnsPSA 95:1John Nelson Darby reflects on the creation of spiritual hymns during his time in Pau from 1879 to 1881, emphasizing the significance of hymns directed to 'The Father.' He shares insights into the origins and circumstances surrounding various hymns, including those written during personal trials and moments of inspiration. The notes reveal the evolution of these hymns and their publication history, showcasing Darby's dedication to expressing faith through song. His experiences, including illness and confinement, influenced the depth and themes of his writings, highlighting the connection between suffering and spiritual expression.
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
O come, let us sing unto the Lord,.... To Jehovah the Messiah, the Lord our righteousness; setting forth, in songs of praise, the glory of his person, the riches of his grace, and our thankfulness to him for spiritual mercies by him: Christ is to be the subject of our spiritual songs, and is the person to whose honour and glory they should be directed: in the New Testament we are instructed to sing unto the Lord, the Lord Christ, Eph 5:19, and this is what Pliny (a) tells Trajan, the Roman emperor, the Christians in his time did; they sung a hymn to Christ, as to a God: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation; to Christ, the Rock, Co1 10:4, a Rock, for height, being higher than the saints, than the kings of the earth, than the angels in heaven, than the heavens themselves; for strength, being the mighty God, and mighty Saviour; for shelter, being the saints security from avenging justice and wrath to come: a Rock, on which the church and all believers are built, and which endures for ever; "the Rock of salvation", being the author of spiritual and eternal salvation, and the strength and security of it; not only is he strong to do it, but, being done by him, it is safe in him; wherefore shouts of joy and songs of praise are due unto him. This shows that vocal singing is meant, singing with an harmonious and musical voice; and that social singing, or singing in concert together, is intended. The Septuagint renders it, "to God our Saviour", Luk 1:47. (a) Ep. l. 10. ep. 97.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The psalmist here, as often elsewhere, stirs up himself and others to praise God; for it is a duty which ought to be performed with the most lively affections, and which we have great need to be excited to, being very often backward to it and cold in it. Observe, I. How God is to be praised. 1. With holy joy and delight in him. The praising song must be a joyful noise, Psa 95:1 and again Psa 95:2. Spiritual joy is the heart and soul of thankful praise. It is the will of God (such is the condescension of his grace) that when we give glory to him as a being infinitely perfect and blessed we should, at the same time, rejoice in him as our Father and King, and a God in covenant with us. 2. With humble reverence, and a holy awe of him (Psa 95:6): "Let us worship, and bow down, and kneel before him, as becomes those who know what an infinite distance there is between us and God, how much we are in danger of his wrath and in need of his mercy." Though bodily exercise, alone, profits little, yet certainly it is our duty to glorify God with our bodies by the outward expressions of reverence, seriousness, and humility, in the duties of religious worship. 3. We must praise God with our voice; we must speak forth, sing forth, his praises out of the abundance of a heart filled with love, and joy, and thankfulness - Sing to the Lord; make a noise, a joyful noise to him, with psalms - as those who are ourselves much affected with his greatness and goodness, are forward to own ourselves so, are desirous to be more and more affected therewith, and would willingly be instrumental to kindle and inflame the same pious and devout affection in others also. 4. We must praise God in concert, in the solemn assemblies: "Come, let us sing; let us join in singing to the Lord; not others without me, nor I alone, but others with me. Let us come together before his presence, in the courts of his house, where his people are wont to attend him and to expect his manifestations of himself." Whenever we come into God's presence we must come with thanksgiving that we are admitted to such a favour; and, whenever we have thanks to give, we must come before God's presence, set ourselves before him, and present ourselves to him in the ordinances which he has appointed. II. Why God is to be praised and what must be the matter of our praise. We do not want matter; it were well if we did not want a heart. We must praise God, 1. Because he is a great God, and sovereign Lord of all, Psa 95:3. He is great, and therefore greatly to be praised. He is infinite and immense, and has all perfection in himself. (1.) He has great power: He is a great King above all gods, above all deputed deities, all magistrates, to whom he said, You are gods (he manages them all, and serves his own purposes by them, and to him they are all accountable), above all counterfeit deities, all pretenders, all usurpers; he can do that which none of them can do; he can, and will, famish and vanquish them all. (2.) He has great possessions. This lower world is here particularly specified. We reckon those great men who have large territories, which they call their own against all the world, which yet are a very inconsiderable part of the universe: how great then is that God whose the whole earth is, and the fulness thereof, not only under whose feet it is, as he has an incontestable dominion over all the creatures and a propriety in them, but in whose hand it is, as he has the actual directing and disposing of all (Psa 95:4); even the deep places of the earth, which are out of our sight, subterraneous springs and mines, are in his hand; and the height of the hills which are out of our reach, whatever grows or feeds upon them, is his also. This may be taken figuratively: the meanest of the children of men, who are as the low places of the earth, are not beneath his cognizance; and the greatest, who are as the strength of the hills, are not above his control. Whatever strength is in any creature it is derived from God and employed for him (Psa 95:5): The sea is his, and all that is in it (the waves fulfil his word); it is his, for he made it, gathered its waters and fixed its shores; the dry land, though given to the children of men, is his too, for he still reserved the property to himself; it is his, for his hands formed it, when his word made the dry land appear. His being the Creator of all makes him, without dispute, the owner of all. This being a gospel psalm, we may very well suppose that it is the Lord Jesus whom we are here taught to praise. He is a great God; the mighty God is one of his titles, and God over all, blessed for evermore. As Mediator, he is a great King above all gods; by him kings reign; and angels, principalities, and powers, are subject to him; by him, as the eternal Word, all things were made (Joh 1:3), and it was fit he should be the restorer and reconciler of all who was the Creator of all, Col 1:16, Col 1:20. To him all power is given both in heaven and in earth, and into his hand all things are delivered. It is he that sets one foot on the sea and the other on the earth, as sovereign Lord of both (Rev 10:2), and therefore to him we must sing our songs of praise, and before him we must worship and bow down. 2. Because he is our God, not only has a dominion over us, as he has over all the creatures, but stands in special relation to us (Psa 95:7): He is our God, and therefore it is expected we should praise him; who will, if we do not? What else did he make us for but that we should be to him for a name and a praise? (1.) He is our Creator, and the author of our being; we must kneel before the Lord our Maker, Psa 95:6. Idolaters kneel before gods which they themselves made; we kneel before a God who made us and all the world and who is therefore our rightful proprietor; for his we are, and not our own. (2.) He is our Saviour, and the author of our blessedness. He is here called the rock of our salvation (Psa 95:1), not only the founder, but the very foundation, of that work of wonder, on whom it is built. That rock is Christ; to him therefore we must sing our songs of praises, to him that sits upon the throne and to the Lamb. (3.) We are therefore his, under all possible obligations: We are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. All the children of men are so; they are fed and led by his Providence, which cares for them, and conducts them, as the shepherd the sheep. We must praise him, not only because he made us, but because he preserves and maintains us, and our breath and ways are in his hand. All the church's children are in a special manner so; Israel are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand; and therefore he demands their homage in a special manner. The gospel church is his flock. Christ is the great and good Shepherd of it. We, as Christians, are led by his hand into the green pastures, by him we are protected and well provided for, to his honour and service we are entirely devoted as a peculiar people, and therefore to him must be glory in the churches (whether it be in the world or no) throughout all ages, Eph 3:21.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Ps 95 This call to worship urges the people to respond to the Lord, the Shepherd, and to follow him faithfully. The previous generation, who refused to obey, did not receive the blessings of the Promised Land.