Psalms 95:2

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

Let us come {H6923} before his presence {H6440} with thanksgiving {H8426}, and make a joyful noise {H7321} unto him with psalms {H2158}.

Let's come into his presence with thanksgiving; let's shout for joy to him with songs of praise.

Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song.

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

Commentary

Psalm 95:2 is an inviting call to worship, urging believers to approach God with both gratitude and exuberant praise. It sets the tone for the first part of Psalm 95, which is a powerful hymn of adoration before shifting to a warning against disobedience.

Context

Psalm 95 is often identified as a liturgical psalm, likely used in ancient Israelite temple worship or public assemblies. It begins with an enthusiastic invitation to praise God as the great King and Creator (Psalm 95:1), then transitions in the latter half to a solemn warning against hardening one's heart, drawing lessons from Israel's wilderness wanderings. Verse 2, specifically, outlines the manner in which this divine encounter should begin: with a spirit of thanksgiving and joyous song.

Key Themes

  • Invitation to Worship: The phrase "Let us come" is an active, communal summons, highlighting that worship is a collective and intentional act.
  • Thanksgiving as Foundation: Approaching God begins not with demands or complaints, but with gratitude. Thanksgiving acknowledges God's goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness before any petition.
  • Joyful Expression: The command to "make a joyful noise" emphasizes that worship should be vibrant, enthusiastic, and unrestrained. It's not a somber obligation but a joyous response to God's greatness.
  • Musical Praise: The mention of "psalms" points to the use of songs, hymns, and musical instruments as integral to expressing worship. This highlights the rich tradition of musical praise in God's presence.
  • Divine Presence: "Before his presence" signifies a direct, intimate encounter with God, where believers are invited into His holy space. This underscores the privilege and reverence due when approaching the Almighty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "presence" here is panim (פָּנִים), which literally means "face." Coming "before his presence" implies drawing near to God's very face, suggesting an intimate and direct encounter, much like one might approach a king or a close friend. The phrase "joyful noise" translates from the Hebrew rua' (רוּעַ), which means to shout, raise a sound, or make a loud noise, often associated with triumph, celebration, or the sound of a trumpet. It denotes a vigorous, uninhibited expression of joy and praise, rather than a quiet murmur. The "psalms" are mizmorim (מִזְמוֹרִים), referring to sacred songs or hymns, like those found throughout the Book of Psalms itself.

Practical Application

Psalm 95:2 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. It encourages us to cultivate a habit of gratitude, making thanksgiving a cornerstone of our personal and corporate worship. Whether in private devotion or communal gathering, our approach to God should be marked by intentional joy and heartfelt praise, expressed through song and genuine adoration. This verse invites us to actively participate in worship, bringing our whole selves—our voices, our hearts, and our gratitude—into God's glorious presence, echoing the call found in Psalm 100:1.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 100:4

    Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.

  • Ephesians 5:19

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

  • Psalms 105:2

    Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.

  • Jeremiah 31:12

    Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

  • Jeremiah 31:13

    Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

  • Psalms 100:2

    Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

  • Psalms 17:13

    Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, [which is] thy sword: