Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 95

Sing. Heb. ranan, “tell with joy.” Make a joyful noise. Compare Ps. 98:4; 100:1.

Rock. See Deut. 32:15; Ps. 89:26; 94:22; see on Ps. 18:2.

With thanksgiving. Our first duty and privilege in public and in private worship is to express our gratitude.

The Lord. Heb. Yahweh (See Vol. I, pp. 171, 172) Verses 3–7 state three reasons for our worshiping with glad and thankful hearts: God is the Supreme King, God is Creator, God is Shepherd of His people. A great God. See Ps. 77:13; 145:3. Above all gods. That is, above all other, so-called gods (see Ex. 12:12; Deut. 10:17; cf. Ps. 82:1, 6; 96:5; 97:7; Mal. 1:14).

Deep places. From the deepest depths of the earth to the highest heights, all things belong to God and are under His control. Strength. Literally, “tops.”

The sea. See Gen. 1:9, 10; Ps. 104:24, 25; DA 20. Contemplation of the creation should lead to worship of the Creator (see MH 413).

Worship. See GC 436, 437; 6T 351. Kneel. The outward and visible change of position in worship often reflects the inner and spiritual nature of the exercise. As we show respect to men by rising up before them, so we should show respect to God by assuming appropriate postures in worship. Kneeling in reverence and bowing are fitting ways to indicate such respect (see 2 Chron. 6:13; 7:3; Isa. 45:23; Luke 22:41; Acts 7:60; Phil. 2:10; Ed 243; PK). Our maker. The God who created us, redeemed us, established His covenant with us (see Deut. 32:6, 15; Ps. 100:3; 149:2).

Our God. Not only “a great God” (see v. 3), but “our God,” brought into close covenant relationship with His people. People of his pasture. Ps. 23:1–3; 74:1; 79:13. To day. The phrase suggest that it is high time for a momentous decision. God’s commands and invitations should be obeyed and accepted at once. As often as the Christian repeats this psalm, he should realize anew the force of the emphatic “to day”. As often as he proves faithless to God, he should hear anew the gracious “to day,” promising him forgiveness and restoration. If ye will hear. Better as an expression of a wish, “O that ye would hear.” The clause belongs to what follows rather than to the matter of the verse (see Heb. 3:7–11). In addition to thanksgiving the psalm provides exhortation and instruction for the people.

Provocation. Heb. meribah, “contention” (see Ex. 17:1–7). Temptation. Heb. massah (see Ex. 17:1–7; Deut. 6:16).

My work. Here, God’s providential acts (see Ps. 90:16; 92:5). In spite of God’s miraculous display of power in Egypt and at the Red Sea, Israel failed to learn to trust their Deliverer.

Forty years. See Num. 14:33; Deut. 2:7; 8:2; 29:5. Was I grieved. Heb. qut, “feel a loathing against.” Compare the use of qut in Job 10:1; Eze. 6:9; 20:43; 36:31. This generation. Literally, “a generation” (the word “this” is supplied); the generation that came out of Egypt.

I sware. See on Num. 14:21–23; cf. Deut. 1:34, 35. My rest. That is, rest in Canaan (Deut. 12:9; cf. GC 458; see on Heb. 4:5–11).