Psalms 92:1

¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day. [It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

A Psalm {H4210} or Song {H7892} for the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}. It is a good {H2896} thing to give thanks {H3034}{H8687)} unto the LORD {H3068}, and to sing praises {H2167}{H8763)} unto thy name {H8034}, O most High {H5945}:

A psalm. A song for Shabbat: It is good to give thanks to ADONAI and sing praises to your name, 'Elyon,

It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High,

It is a good thing to give thanks unto Jehovah, And to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High;

Psalm 92:1 opens with a foundational statement about the essence of true worship and gratitude. It declares that offering thanks and praise to God is not merely an obligation, but an inherently good and beneficial act. This verse sets the stage for the entire psalm, which celebrates God's faithfulness, justice, and enduring power, especially in contrast to the fleeting nature of the wicked.

Context

The superscription, "A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day," immediately provides critical insight into the verse's original setting and purpose. This psalm was specifically designated for the Sabbath day, a time of holy rest and reflection for ancient Israel. The Sabbath was not just a day of cessation from labor, but a consecrated time for remembering God's creation and His deliverance of His people. Therefore, the themes of thanksgiving and praise are particularly fitting for a day set apart to acknowledge God's sovereignty and goodness.

Key Themes

  • Gratitude and Thanksgiving: The verse emphasizes that it is a "good thing" to give thanks. This highlights the inherent value and spiritual benefit of expressing gratitude to God, not just for what He does, but for who He is. It's an act that aligns with God's will and brings joy to the worshiper.
  • Praise and Worship: Coupled with thanksgiving is the command to "sing praises unto thy name." This underscores the active and joyful nature of worship. Singing is a common and powerful form of expressing devotion and adoration throughout the Psalms.
  • God's Exalted Nature: Addressing God as "the LORD" (Hebrew: Yahweh, God's covenant name) and "O most High" (Hebrew: Elyon, signifying God's supreme authority and transcendence) reinforces the awe and reverence due to Him. It reminds the worshiper of God's unmatched power and position above all creation. This recognition of God's majesty fuels genuine praise, as seen in passages like Psalm 7:17.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "it is a good thing" comes from the Hebrew word tov (טוֹב), which means good, pleasant, agreeable, or right. It suggests that giving thanks is not merely permissible but intrinsically beneficial and morally proper. The title "most High" is Elyon (עֶלְיוֹן), a significant divine title used to denote God's absolute supremacy, His being above all other gods or powers, and His eternal reign. It often appears in contexts emphasizing God's universal dominion, as seen in Genesis 14:18.

Practical Application

Psalm 92:1 encourages believers today to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and praise. It reminds us that every day, but especially on days set aside for worship, we should intentionally express our thanks and adoration to God. This isn't just about ritual; it's about recognizing God's active presence and goodness in our lives. Embracing this perspective can transform our outlook, fostering joy and peace even amidst challenges, echoing the call to "give thanks in every circumstance". Whether through formal worship, personal prayer, or simply acknowledging blessings, giving thanks and singing praises to the Lord, the Most High, is a vital and enriching aspect of our faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 147:1

    ¶ Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely.

  • Psalms 107:1

    ¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • Psalms 107:21

    Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

  • Psalms 107:22

    And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

  • Psalms 135:3

    Praise the LORD; for the LORD [is] good: sing praises unto his name; for [it is] pleasant.

  • Ephesians 5:19

    Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

  • Psalms 33:1

    ¶ Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: [for] praise is comely for the upright.

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