Psalm 95

The two sections of Psalm 95 are quite distinct in tone. The first is a beautiful hymn of praise (1-7a) and the second a prophetic warning (7b-11). Some have suggested that what we have is two psalms that have somehow been joined. The greatness of God calls for worship that issues in obedience and the displeasure of God points ahead to a life of continuing exile – “They shall never enter the land where I give rest.”

Psalm 95
 
Come let’s sing for joy to the Lord
Shout! For to God we belong;
Gather before him with thanksgiving and praise
Extol him with music and song.
 
Yahweh reigns as King over all
No other god is greater;
Heavens and earth belong to him
For he is their Creator.
 
Let us bow down and worship him
Kneel before our Master;
For he is our God, we’re under his care
Protected from any disaster.
 
“Do not harden your hearts like those before you
Who refused to walk in my way;
For forty years I was angry with them
Their hearts had gone astray.”
 
“In anger I declared this oath
To those of fickle heart;
I have no place of rest for you
No blessing to impart.”