An introduction to Psalms 95 to 100:

Six psalms full of praise to God;

• sing to the Lord, Ps 95.1-2; 96.1-2; 98.1,4; 100.2.
• bring thanksgiving, Ps 95.2; 100.4.
• shout joyfully, Ps 95.1-2; 96.11-12; 97.1; 98.4-8; 100.1.

Worship God;

• bow down, Ps 95.6;
• in the beauty of holiness, Ps 96.9;
• at His footstool, Ps 99.5;
• at His holy hill, Ps 99.9.

There is an attitude of humility and holiness; and the place of humility and holiness.

An emphasis upon the character of God;

• God is great; Ps 95.3; 96.4; 99.2;
• Above all gods; Ps 95.3; 96.4; 97.9;
• All creation is His; Ps 95.4-5; 96.5; 97.5;
• Creation rejoices in Him; Ps 96.11-12; 98.7-8;
• The Lord God is king, He reigns; Ps 95.3; 96.10; 97.1; 98.6; 99.1;
• The Lord God is Judge; Ps 95.11; 96.13; 97.8; 98.9; 99.8;
• We are His people; Ps 95.7; 100.3;
• The Lord over all the earth, and over all peoples; Ps 96.1, 3, 9; 97.1, 6; 98.4.

Our response to God in praise and worship; our attitude and devotion are more important than a place, or our physical position. Praise and worship, presented here, are our proper response to God’s glory and His greatness.

Note also that there is a response in obedience; do not harden your hearts (Ps 95.8), and hate evil (Ps 97.10).

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Psalm of praise to God, introducing the set of six psalms.

v1-5: Praise to the great God; sing, shout, joyfully, thanksgiving; delighting in God. We must direct our praise to God. Such exuberance is not inconsistent with the reverence of later verses.

As the great God, He has overall authority, over all human and spirit authorities (gods), and over all creation.

The Bible does not intend to provide a comprehensive analysis of idols and idolatry. But v3 refers to other 'gods.' This will mean something quite different in the modern western world in contrast to the ancient world. Either way YHWH is above all 'gods,' however we identify them.

'In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him.' (C.S. Lewis) 

v6-7: In response we bow down with respect and awe. We belong to Him; we therefore have the privilege to praise Him; but we also have the responsibility to obey Him.

v8-11: Remember the lessons of the past; do not harden your hearts against the voice of God. The people of Israel saw the mighty works of God, yet refused to obey Him. They missed out on the blessing of entering His rest in Canaan; the later generation received that blessing. These verses are quoted in Heb 3.7-11.

They had uncircumcised hearts, they went astray in their hearts; there is a need to be wholly devoted to God, with our hearts fixed on Him.

There is a danger, addressed in this psalm, that we enjoy singing our praises, but neglect to hear and obey His voice.