Psalms 100:1

KJV

¶ A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm {H4210} of praise {H8426}. Make a joyful noise {H7321} unto the LORD {H3068}, all ye lands {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A psalm of thanksgiving: Shout for joy to ADONAI, all the earth!

Berean Standard Bible

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.

American Standard Version

Make a joyful noise unto Jehovah, all ye lands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 100:1 serves as a vibrant and commanding overture to a short yet profoundly significant psalm, uniquely designated "A Psalm of praise." It issues an enthusiastic, universal invitation to all peoples and lands to offer uninhibited and joyful adoration to the LORD. This verse immediately establishes the psalm's central theme: a global, celebratory recognition of God's supreme sovereignty and His worthiness of all worship, setting the stage for a communal expression of gratitude and praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 100 stands out in the Psalter as the only psalm explicitly titled "A Psalm of praise" (Hebrew: *Mizmor l'Todah*). This superscription immediately signals its genre and purpose as a hymn of thanksgiving and communal worship, distinguishing it from psalms of lament, instruction, or individual confession. Positioned within a collection of psalms (Psalms 93-99) that emphasize Yahweh's kingship and universal reign, Psalm 100 acts as a climactic response, calling all creation to acknowledge and celebrate this divine sovereignty. Its concise nature and clear commands suggest its likely use in temple liturgy, perhaps as worshippers approached the gates of the temple for communal thanksgiving, as hinted at in [Psalm 100:4](/psalms/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving"). The psalm's placement after a series of "Yahweh Malak" (The LORD reigns) psalms further emphasizes that the appropriate response to God's universal kingship is universal praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, worship was often a communal and public affair, deeply integrated into the nation's life, especially at the Temple in Jerusalem. The call to "Make a joyful noise" reflects an ancient Near Eastern worship practice where loud acclamations, shouts, and musical instruments were common expressions of devotion and triumph. This was not a quiet, contemplative worship but a vibrant, communal celebration. The phrase "all ye lands" is particularly significant in an Israelite context, where God's covenant was primarily with Israel. This universal scope transcends national boundaries, hinting at a broader, global recognition of Yahweh's dominion. It anticipates the prophetic vision of all nations streaming to Jerusalem to worship God, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2-3 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - All Nations to Jerusalem") and [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Nations Worshiping the King").
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 100:1 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Universal Worship**, emphasizing that God's dominion and worthiness of praise extend beyond Israel to every corner of the globe and every people group. This global invitation foreshadows the New Testament's vision of a redeemed multitude from [every tribe, tongue, people, and nation worshipping God](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude"). Secondly, the instruction to "Make a joyful noise" highlights **Joyful and Enthusiastic Praise** as the desired attitude in worship—one of exuberance, enthusiasm, and heartfelt celebration, rather than solemnity or mere duty. This contrasts with perfunctory religious observance, urging a vibrant, engaged response that reflects the goodness of God as described in [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - For the LORD is Good"). Finally, the singular focus on "the LORD" (Yahweh) reinforces **The LORD as the Sole Object of Praise**, revealing His personal and relational nature as the covenant God of Israel, and His supreme authority over all creation, deserving of exclusive adoration, as He is the one who "made us, and not we ourselves" ([Psalm 100:3](/psalms/100-3 "Psalm 100:3 - He Made Us")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Make a joyful noise (Hebrew, _rûwaʻ'_):** From the primitive root H7321, this word signifies "to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout (for alarm or joy)." It conveys a loud, boisterous shout, a triumphant acclamation, or even a war cry. It implies an uninhibited, fervent, and enthusiastic expression of joy, triumph, and adoration. It is not about quiet reverence but about an outward, often loud, and passionate declaration of praise, reflecting deep-seated emotion and celebration.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** Represented by H3068, this is the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, YHWH (Yahweh), God's personal, covenantal name, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal." This name emphasizes God's self-existence ("I AM WHO I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")) and His faithful, relational nature as the God who makes and keeps His promises to His people. To make a joyful noise *unto the LORD* is to direct this fervent praise to the one true, living, and covenant-keeping God, the eternal and sovereign Creator.
* **lands (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From H776, this word means "the earth (at large, or partitively a land)." It can refer to a specific country (like Israel) or, as used here, the entire globe or all humanity. In Psalm 100:1, its use expands the scope of the command beyond Israel to encompass all nations and peoples, signifying God's universal dominion and the global reach of His call to worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ A Psalm of praise.":** This superscription, unique in the Psalter, immediately sets the tone and purpose of the entire psalm. It identifies the composition as a *Mizmor l'Todah*, a psalm specifically for thanksgiving or praise, indicating its liturgical function and the celebratory nature of its content. It signals that what follows is an unadulterated call to worship and gratitude, inviting the worshipper into a posture of joyful adoration.
* **"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD,":** This is a direct, imperative command, addressing the audience to engage actively in worship. The phrase "make a joyful noise" (from *rûwaʻ*) calls for a loud, triumphant, and enthusiastic expression of praise, moving beyond mere contemplation to an outward, audible declaration of joy. The object of this exuberant praise is explicitly "the LORD" (Yahweh), emphasizing that all such adoration is directed toward the personal, covenantal God of Israel, the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things.
* **"all ye lands.":** This concluding phrase expands the scope of the command from Israel to the entire world, "all the earth" (*kol ha'arets*). It is a universal invitation, transcending national and ethnic boundaries, to acknowledge Yahweh's supreme authority and worthiness of praise. This broadens the psalm's message, anticipating a future where all peoples will recognize and worship the one true God, highlighting His universal dominion and redemptive plan for humanity, inviting every corner of creation to participate in this grand chorus of praise.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 100:1 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The primary device is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in the command "Make a joyful noise." This direct address creates a sense of urgency and expectation, calling for an immediate and active response from the audience. The phrase "all ye lands" functions as a form of **Apostrophe**, directly addressing a broad, universal audience that extends beyond the immediate Israelite community, thereby emphasizing the global reach of God's sovereignty. The very concept of "joyful noise" itself, derived from *rûwaʻ*, carries a strong **Symbolism** of uninhibited, fervent, and triumphant worship, moving beyond mere solemnity to an exuberant celebration. This verse also implicitly uses **Universalism** as a thematic device, conveyed through the expansive phrase "all ye lands," which broadens the scope of the divine call to worship to encompass all humanity, foreshadowing a global recognition of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 100:1 is a theological powerhouse, encapsulating the essence of worship as a universal, joyful, and active response to the one true God. It asserts God's sovereignty over all creation, calling every nation to acknowledge His rightful place as Lord. This verse challenges any narrow, ethnocentric view of God, proclaiming His dominion over "all ye lands" and inviting all humanity into a relationship of praise. The emphasis on "joyful noise" underscores that authentic worship is not merely ritualistic but flows from a heart overflowing with gratitude and delight in God's character and deeds. It is a foretaste of the ultimate worship that will one day unite all peoples before the throne of God, celebrating His goodness and enduring faithfulness.

* [Psalm 95:1](/psalms/95-1 "Psalm 95:1 - Come, Let Us Sing for Joy")
* [Psalm 96:10](/psalms/96-10 "Psalm 96:10 - The LORD Reigns Among the Nations")
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 100:1 serves as a timeless clarion call for believers today, urging us to re-evaluate the nature and expression of our worship. It reminds us that our praise should not be confined to solemnity or obligation but should burst forth with genuine, uninhibited joy and enthusiasm, reflecting the living and glorious God we serve. The command to "make a joyful noise" challenges us to engage our whole being—our voices, our emotions, our bodies—in active adoration, allowing our worship to be a vibrant, authentic overflow of our hearts. Furthermore, the universal scope of "all ye lands" compels us to recognize God's sovereignty over every nation and people, fostering a global perspective in our prayers and mission. Our worship, therefore, should be both deeply personal and expansively communal, acknowledging God's reign over all creation and anticipating the day when every tongue will confess His name and every land will echo with His praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal and communal worship reflect the "joyful noise" described in this verse, moving beyond mere obligation to genuine exuberance?**
* **In what ways do I practically acknowledge God's sovereignty over "all ye lands" in my daily life, prayers, and worldview, particularly concerning global missions and justice?**
* **What does it mean for my worship to be truly "active" and "uninhibited," rather than merely passive or dutiful, and how can I cultivate such a posture?**

### FAQ
**Why is Psalm 100 unique among the Psalms?**

Answer: Psalm 100 is unique primarily because it is the only psalm explicitly titled "A Psalm of praise" (Hebrew: *Mizmor l'Todah*). This superscription indicates its specific genre as a song of thanksgiving, setting it apart from other psalms that might be laments, wisdom psalms, or royal psalms. Its brevity, direct imperative commands, and universal call to joyful worship also contribute to its distinctive character, making it a concise yet powerful liturgical hymn often used in communal worship settings, particularly for thanksgiving.

**What does "Make a joyful noise" truly mean, and how should it influence our worship today?**

Answer: The phrase "Make a joyful noise" translates the Hebrew word *rûwaʻ*, which implies a loud, triumphant shout, a blast of a trumpet, or a fervent acclamation. It's not merely about pleasant singing but about an uninhibited, enthusiastic, and often boisterous expression of joy and adoration. In contemporary worship, this means approaching God with genuine exuberance and heartfelt celebration, rather than a reserved or perfunctory attitude. It encourages active, engaged worship that involves our whole being, whether through singing, shouting, clapping, or other outward expressions of praise, reflecting the deep joy found in [the presence of the LORD](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence") and the triumph of His salvation.

**Does "all ye lands" mean that everyone, including non-believers, is called to worship God?**

Answer: Yes, "all ye lands" (*kol ha'arets*, meaning "all the earth") signifies a universal call to acknowledge and worship the LORD. While the immediate audience for the psalm was Israel, the scope of God's dominion is explicitly stated to extend to all humanity and creation. This is a prophetic declaration that God is the sovereign Lord of all, and therefore, all peoples are ultimately accountable to Him and called to recognize His authority. It foreshadows the New Testament's global mission, where the gospel is proclaimed to [all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), inviting them into a saving relationship with God through Christ. Even those who do not yet believe are part of the "lands" over whom God reigns and to whom this universal call extends, highlighting God's ultimate desire for all creation to worship Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 100:1, with its universal call to "make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's prophetic glimpses of all nations coming to worship God are realized through His redemptive work. Before Christ, the "lands" were largely separated from the covenant people of God, but through His cross, Jesus broke down the dividing wall of hostility, making one new humanity from Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, enabling all peoples to approach the Father with joy and confidence. The "joyful noise" now resounds from a global chorus of believers, empowered by the Spirit, who worship God not merely in Jerusalem but "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). Christ's Great Commission explicitly sends His followers to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), ensuring that the universal call of Psalm 100:1 is extended and embraced by a redeemed people from every tribe and tongue, culminating in the glorious vision where "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 98:4

¶ Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Luke 19:37

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

Zephaniah 3:14

¶ Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

Psalms 32:11

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart.

Romans 15:10

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

Psalms 95:1

¶ O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Psalms 95:2

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.