Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 100

A joyful noise. See Ps. 66:1; 98:4. All ye lands. Literally, “all the earth.”

Gladness. This is the keynote of the psalm.

Hath made us. God’s claim to our praise rests first upon the fact that He has made us His people (see Ps. 95:6; cf. Deut. 32:6, 15). Not we ourselves. A number of Hebrew manuscripts, the Targums, and the margin of the Hebrew Bible read, “we are his.” On the other hand the LXX and the Syriac support the reading of the KJV. Sheep. Compare Ps. 95:7; see on Ps. 23:1–4. Thinking these sublime thoughts leads the psalmist to give thanks.

Gates … courts. Probably referring to the sanctuary, but by extension to all places where God is worshiped. Thanksgiving. Probably the sacrifices of thanksgiving (see Ps. 96:8). The picture is that of grateful worshipers bringing their offerings of thanksgiving to the sanctuary. Praise. “The melody of praise is the atmosphere of heaven; and when heaven comes in touch with the earth, there is music and song,—‘thanksgiving, and the voice of melody’” (Ed 161; cf. Isa. 51:3). Name. See on Ps. 7:17.

Good. See 1 Chron. 16:34; 2 Chron. 5:13; 7:3; Ps. 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; etc.

His mercy is everlasting. In the Hebrew, the same as the recurrent refrain translated “his mercy endureth for ever” (Ps. 136; see also Ps. 118:1–4, 29). To all generations. Literally, “to generation and generation.” A picture of one generation following another, all enjoying God’s kindness and faithfulness. God deserves our praise because He makes us what we are, redeems us, loves us, purposes all good for us now, and provides for our happiness hereafter.