Psalms 95:1

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

O come {H3212}, let us sing {H7442} unto the LORD {H3068}: let us make a joyful noise {H7321} to the rock {H6697} of our salvation {H3468}.

Come, let's sing to ADONAI! Let's shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation!

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation!

Oh come, let us sing unto Jehovah; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Commentary

Psalms 95:1 is a vibrant invitation to communal worship, setting a tone of joyous adoration and reverence for God. It serves as an opening call to praise before the psalm delves into reasons for worship and subsequent warnings against disobedience.

Context

This verse introduces Psalm 95, often referred to as an "invitational psalm" or a "royal psalm" because it celebrates God's sovereignty. It was likely used in temple liturgy, possibly as a processional hymn, calling the congregation to active participation in worship. The psalm transitions from enthusiastic praise (verses 1-7a) to a solemn warning against hardening one's heart (verses 7b-11), drawing lessons from Israel's wilderness wanderings, particularly referenced in Numbers 14:22-23.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Call to Worship: The imperative "O come" is an urgent, collective summons to engage in active praise. It emphasizes that worship is not merely an option but a vital response to who God is.
  • Joyful Adoration: The phrases "sing unto the LORD" and "make a joyful noise" highlight the enthusiastic and uninhibited nature of true worship. It suggests a worship experience filled with exuberance and heartfelt expression.
  • God as the Rock of Salvation: Describing God as "the rock of our salvation" underscores His unchanging nature, steadfastness, and reliability. Just as a rock provides a firm foundation and shelter, God is portrayed as the ultimate source of security, strength, and deliverance for His people. This imagery is consistent throughout scripture, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4 and 2 Samuel 22:3.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "O come" (ืœึฐื›ื•ึผ, lekhoo) is a strong imperative, inviting immediate action.
  • "Sing" comes from the root ืจึธื ึทืŸ (ranan), which implies a ringing cry, a shout of joy, or a triumphant song. It's more than just vocalizing; it denotes a joyful, exuberant expression of praise.
  • "Joyful noise" translates from ืชึฐืจื•ึผืขึธื” (teruah), which means a shout of joy, an alarm, a trumpet blast, or a battle cry. This suggests a loud, enthusiastic, and often communal acclamation, not merely quiet contemplation. It's the kind of sound one might make when celebrating a great victory, similar to the jubilant shouts described in Psalms 100:1.
  • "Rock" (ืฆื•ึผืจ, tsur) is a powerful metaphor for God, emphasizing His stability, immutability, and role as a refuge and protector. It conveys His unshakeable character and His unwavering faithfulness as the source of deliverance.

Practical Application

Psalms 95:1 calls believers today to approach worship with intentionality, joy, and a deep recognition of God's character. It reminds us that our praise should be an active, enthusiastic response to God as our unchanging "Rock" and the ultimate source of our deliverance and security. It encourages both individual and communal participation in expressing profound gratitude and adoration for His salvation.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 10:4

    And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

  • Psalms 81:1

    ยถ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

  • 2 Samuel 22:47

    The LORD liveth; and blessed [be] my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

  • Psalms 150:6

    Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

  • Exodus 15:21

    And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

  • Psalms 96:1

    ยถ O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

  • Psalms 96:2

    Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.