Psa 100:2 | KingComments | STEP | This is the second-to-last in the series of psalms describing the coming of the LORD as King, the Messiah (Psalms 93-101). Now that the LORD’s kingdom is established, everyone is invited to offer a sacrifice of praise in Jerusalem (cf. ; ). When Christ reigns, this “psalm for thanksgiving” will be sung ( ). This psalm for thanksgiving is sung when the LORD takes His rightful place as King over the earth. That it is called “a psalm for thanksgiving” indicates that it is sung at the time of the giving of the thank offering in the temple. It is a call to ”shout joyfully to the LORD”, a call that concerns “all the earth”. All the inhabitants of the earth are called to share in the joy and worship of Israel (cf. ). The counterpart of this psalm of praise for us, believers of the New Testament dispensation, is found in Ephesians 1 and Revelation 5 ( ; ). It is a privilege to come into God’s presence and serve Him there “with gladness” and “with joyful singing” ( ). Serving is the service of worship and also the service of all of life. We may worship God and put our lives at His disposal. We may serve Him with all that we are and have. Because God’s people have failed to do so, God has sent enemies to them and imposed on them the iron yoke of slavery ( ). God’s people testify to all the earth “that the LORD Himself is God” ( ). They acknowledge Him as their Creator, for “it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves” (cf. ). They did not come into being and become His people in their own strength. It is only His work. He created the people and made them His people (cf. ). He is their Former ( ). God’s people also stand in a special relationship to Him, namely as sheep in relation to a shepherd. They are “His people and the sheep of His pasture”. God is not only their Creator, He is also their Shepherd. We see this in the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, Who as the good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep. He is not only their Creator but also their Savior ( ). He brings them to “His pasture”, where He cares for them with all that is good for them ( ). This verse is a confession of faith about Israel’s origin (cf. ).

‏ Psalms 100:2

Introduction

This is the second-to-last in the series of psalms describing the coming of the LORD as King, the Messiah (Psalms 93-101). Now that the LORD’s kingdom is established, everyone is invited to offer a sacrifice of praise in Jerusalem (cf. Isa 2:2; Zec 14:16).

Serve the LORD With Gladness

When Christ reigns, this “psalm for thanksgiving” will be sung (Psa 100:1). This psalm for thanksgiving is sung when the LORD takes His rightful place as King over the earth. That it is called “a psalm for thanksgiving” indicates that it is sung at the time of the giving of the thank offering in the temple.

It is a call to ”shout joyfully to the LORD”, a call that concerns “all the earth”. All the inhabitants of the earth are called to share in the joy and worship of Israel (cf. Deu 32:43). The counterpart of this psalm of praise for us, believers of the New Testament dispensation, is found in Ephesians 1 and Revelation 5 (Eph 1:3; Rev 1:5b).

It is a privilege to come into God’s presence and serve Him there “with gladness” and “with joyful singing” (Psa 100:2). Serving is the service of worship and also the service of all of life. We may worship God and put our lives at His disposal. We may serve Him with all that we are and have. Because God’s people have failed to do so, God has sent enemies to them and imposed on them the iron yoke of slavery (Deu 28:47-48).

God’s people testify to all the earth “that the LORD Himself is God” (Psa 100:3). They acknowledge Him as their Creator, for “it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves” (cf. Isa 29:23 ; Isa 60:21). They did not come into being and become His people in their own strength. It is only His work. He created the people and made them His people (cf. Deu 32:6b). He is their Former (Isa 43:1 ; Isa 45:11).

God’s people also stand in a special relationship to Him, namely as sheep in relation to a shepherd. They are “His people and the sheep of His pasture”. God is not only their Creator, He is also their Shepherd. We see this in the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, Who as the good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep. He is not only their Creator but also their Savior (Mt 1:21). He brings them to “His pasture”, where He cares for them with all that is good for them (Psa 23:1-6). This verse is a confession of faith about Israel’s origin (cf. Psa 95:7a).