Psalms 95

These psalms challenge the doubts created by the exile (see Psalm 89) and answer the questions asked in Psalm 90:11, 13. The Lord has established a kingdom (Psalm 93) that is characterized by:

• punishment of the wicked (Psalm 94),

• respectful obedience among his people (Psalm 95),

• justice for the poor (Psalm 96),

• celebration in Zion (Psalm 97),

• salvation for Israel (Psalm 98),

• holiness (Psalm 99), and

• praise (Psalm 100).

This call to worship urges the people to respond to the Lord, the Shepherd, and to follow him faithfully. The previous generation, who refused to obey, did not receive the blessings of the promised land.

above all gods: The psalmist argues against idol worship and pagan beliefs (Psalms 96:4–6; 135:15–18; see also Isaiah 46:5–7).

The Lord is the great King over the whole universe.

All creation exists because of the Lord alone, not because of many gods.

• The great King cares for his people like a shepherd cares for sheep (Isaiah 40:11).

• The Lord, our Maker, the Creator of heaven and earth, also created a people for himself (Isaiah 45:9–12; 51:12–16).

To harden your hearts means to be stubborn and resist the Lord's grace (see Numbers 20:2–13; see also Matthew 13:3–23; John 12:37–43; Ephesians 4:17–32; Hebrews 3:6–19; 4:6–11).

If people want to enter into the Lord’s rest, they need to respond immediately (see Hebrews 3:7–4:11).

Israel's ancestors saw the Lord's wonders but did not understand their importance (see Psalm 92:5–6).

• The generation of Israel that wandered in the wilderness for 40 years did not enter the place of rest that Israel enjoyed after conquering the land (1 Kings 8:56; see Deuteronomy 12:9). The Lord promised them the land and gave it to them (Isaiah 28:12), but they did not obey him (Isaiah 28:1). This warning reminds every generation of the need to obey with faith.

• The rest that God provides includes peace, provision, and protection (Psalm 132:14–18). The author of Hebrews challenged a new generation to enter the rest provided by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 3:7–4:13).