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95:1–11 While it is more of a general praise psalm, Psa 95 is often included among the psalms of Yahweh’s kingship or enthronement (see note on 93:1) because it refers to Yahweh with the Hebrew term melekh gadol (“great King”; v. 3). However, Psa 95 is mostly a call to worship and a historical reflection on Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness. The psalmist begins by calling people to worship Yahweh and sing to Him as the sovereign king over all creation (vv. 1–5). He encourages his fellow Israelites to worship Yahweh because they are His people (vv. 6–7). The psalmist then admonishes his audience to remain responsive to Yahweh, and he warns them not to rebel against Him as the Israelites did in the wilderness—that pattern of rebellion eventually brought Yahweh’s wrath upon Israel (vv. 8–11). |
95:1 the rock of The Hebrew word used here, tsur, highlights the stability and protection Yahweh provides.
our salvation See note on 91:16.
95:3–5 Verses 4–5 have a cosmic scope, emphasizing Yahweh’s power over everything. This passage contains parallel descriptions that emphasize Yahweh’s power over the totality of the created world: depths and heights; sea and dry land. In its original ancient Near Eastern context, these descriptions show, as v. 3 emphasizes, Yahweh’s power over all other gods (elohim in Hebrew). |
95:3 the great God The Hebrew phrase used here, gadol el, refers to Yahweh being the God who is greater than all others divine beings (gods)—for He created them too. El is the common Semitic word for “God.” This phrase declares Yahweh as greater than the gods of the foreign pantheons and any other spiritual beings.
the great king Yahweh is the cosmic king—all must ultimately report and answer to him. Compare Psa 82.
gods The Hebrew word used here, elohim, emphasizes that Yahweh is not just the superior power in the earthly realm (vv. 4–5) but also in the spiritual realm. He is king of all (see note on 82:1; note on 93:1; compare 98:6 and note).
95:4 The psalmist portrays the whole world as under the jurisdiction of Yahweh, the God who created it. Compare note on vv. 3–5. |
95:5 The sea was the symbol of primordial chaos in the ancient Near East. Yahweh’s power over it shows that he is truly the great God (see note on v. 3). Compare note on vv. 3–5. |
95:6–7 The psalmist calls the people to worship Yahweh, their Creator and sustainer. He focuses on the image of shepherd and sheep, which sets up the focus on Yahweh’s guidance in the second half of v. 7 and 95:10–1. |
95:6 The psalmist uses three different Hebrew terms to describe bowing down, the foundational action of worship in the ot: chawah (which denotes bowing), kara' (which refers to bending a person’s knees or kneeling), and barakh (which derives from the word for “knee” and means “to kneel”).
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our maker The psalmist encourages the people to worship God because He is Creator and has made them His people (see v. 7a). The psalmist now further emphasizes Yahweh’s superiority—He is the one who made humanity.
95:7–11 In the second half of v. 7 and 95:10–11, the psalmist exhorts the people to trust Yahweh and follow Him and His ways. He emphasizes Yahweh’s guidance by rehearsing the story of Israel in the wilderness and urges his audience to be receptive to Yahweh’s leadership. |
95:7 the sheep of his hand The psalmist depicts Yahweh as the shepherd who watches over, guides, and protects the Israelites.
Shepherd EDB
Sheep, Shepherd DBI
God, as Shepherd ZDBT
Today The psalmist introduces a sense of urgency, prompting the audience to decide immediately.
if you will hear his voice In the Middle East, sheep are not driven; they follow as their shepherd calls and leads them.
95:8 Do not harden The Israelites stubbornly refused to follow Yahweh even after He, their creator, rescued them (v. 6).
Hardness of Heart DOT: P
Meribah A reference to the location where the Israelites quarreled with Moses and tested Yahweh. See Exod 17:1–7.
the wilderness The Israelites wandered
in the wilderness—uninhabited land—between the exodus and their entry into the promised land.
Wilderness DBI
95:9 my work This probably refers to Yahweh’s work in the exodus.
95:10 For forty years The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years between the exodus and their entrance into the promised land. Biblical writers often use 40 years as a round number for a generation.
that generation God rescued the wilderness generation from Egypt, but He never allowed them to enter the promised land because of their rebellion (see Num 13–14).
my ways The Hebrew word used here, derekh, literally means “path,” but by extension can also refer to behavior or conduct. The Israelites were resisting Yahweh’s spiritual guidance even as they followed Him in the wilderness. Compare Jer 50:6; Prov 3:6.
95:11 I swore See Ps 95:10 and note; compare Num 14:28–34.
my rest The Hebrew word used here, menuchah—which can mean “resting place” or “place of quiet”—probably refers to the promised land and Yahweh’s purposes for Israel It may also be connected to God’s authority as Creator (Psa 95:6; Gen 2:1–4).
Rest DBI
Rest NDBT
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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