What does Psalm 95:1 mean?
ESV: Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
NIV: Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
NASB: Come, let’s sing for joy to the Lord, Let’s shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
CSB: Come, let us shout joyfully to the Lord, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation!
NLT: Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
KJV: O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
NKJV: Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Verse Commentary:
The term "rock of our salvation" describes the Lord as protecting and delivering His people. In the ancient world, large stones were the most reliable foundations for a building. Rocky areas and mountains were ideal fortresses. That God is a "rock" implies that nothing can be more secure than Him (Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalm 18:2, 31).
The book of Ezra describes Israelites returning from exile to rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 1:2–4). As they laid stones for the foundation of a new temple, there was loud praise and worship (Ezra 3:11–13). This was appropriate; God had blessed them and provided them with hope for the future.
Believers today have assurance that our salvation is secure in God (John 10:28; Ephesians 1:11–14). This ought to inspire calm hearts capable of intense praise.
Verse Context:
Psalm 95:1–5 opens with a call for grateful worship of God. Everything that exists is part of His creation—so His people ought to respond with their praise. The next section transitions to a warning about Israel's stubborn disobedience after the exodus from Egypt (Psalm 95:6–7).
Chapter Summary:
The psalm begins with a call to worship, gratitude, and celebration of the Lord. God is great and a great King above all gods. He rules over the oceans and lands, which He created. The psalmist then turns to a warning about a time when Israel resisted the Lord's leadership. That entire generation was denied God's "rest," including being barred from entering the Promised Land.
Chapter Context:
"Enthronement" psalms make up this portion of Scripture. Because they speak of God's rule, they are also labelled "theocratic." Psalms 24, 27, 93, and 96—99 have similar themes. These songs anticipate the Lord God ruling over the entire world. This perspective often aims at the future when the Messiah Jesus will personally oversee earth for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4). The last portion of the song is quoted in the New Testament book of Hebrews (Hebrews 3:7–11, 15, 4:3–7).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
