◄ Psalm 100 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Make a Joyful Noise (Psalm 66:1–20) A Psalm of thanksgiving. 1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. 2Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs. 3Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His;a we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. 4Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name. 5For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations. Footnotes: 3 a Or and not we ourselves Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 100 Summary Make a Joyful Noise Verses 1–2 – A Call for All to Shout with Joy The psalm opens like a trumpet blast. “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth; serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.” The invitation is global—no nation, tribe, or tongue is left out. Worship is loud, glad, and personal, pulling every voice into one choir. Verse 3 – Recognize the Shepherd and His People “Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” Worship is rooted in clear knowledge: God is Creator, Owner, and Shepherd. We belong to Him, and that settled fact fuels confident praise. Verse 4 – Enter His Gates with Thanks “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.” The psalm pictures worshipers moving from the city gate to the temple courts, voices full of thanks. Gratitude is the door-key; praise is the pathway deeper into His presence. Verse 5 – Lasting Goodness and Love “For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.” Worship ends where it began—in the character of God. His goodness, loyal love, and faithfulness stretch from the first generation to the last, guaranteeing that praise will never run out of reasons. Psalm 100, found in the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament, is a powerful and uplifting passage, often referred to as a "Psalm of Thanksgiving". The Psalm is an invitation to all peoples of the earth to come before God with joyful songs, to acknowledge His sovereignty and to enter His presence with gratitude, recognizing His goodness, love, and faithfulness. Psalm 100 at a Glance • Genre: Praise psalm, often labeled “A Psalm of Thanksgiving.” • Length: 5 verses, 92 Hebrew words. • Key theme: Joyful, thankful worship offered by God’s people because of who He is and what He has done. Authorship and Dating The psalm has no superscription naming its writer. Jewish tradition often links it to David, whose psalms dominate Books I–III, but many scholars think it could also come from the post-exilic period when temple worship was being restored (Ezra 3:10–13). Either setting fits: Davidic zeal or the fresh gratitude of returnees. Historical Context of Temple Worship Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem would sing collections called the “Songs of Ascent” (Psalm 120–134). Psalm 100 may have served a similar role, recited as worshipers entered the temple precincts. Archaeological studies of the Second Temple’s southern steps show broad landings perfect for large crowds singing antiphonally—one group echoing another, just as Psalm 100 invites. Literary Structure The psalm moves in two cycles: 1. Call to worship (vv. 1–2) → reason (v. 3). 2. Call to worship (v. 4) → reason (v. 5). This pattern (command followed by cause) keeps praise lively yet thoughtful. Key Hebrew Terms • “Shout for joy” (ruaʿ) – a victory cry used in battle (Joshua 6:5) and in worship (Psalm 47:1). • “Serve” (ʿabad) – everyday work word; worship is pictured as willing service. • “Loving devotion” (ḥesed) – loyal, covenant love, the glue of God’s relationship with His people. • “Faithfulness” (ʾemunah) – firmness, steadiness; a word used of pillars in a house (1 Kings 7:21). Theme 1: Universal Praise Verse 1 sweeps in “all the earth.” The psalm echoes God’s promise to Abraham: “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). See also: • Psalm 67:3–4 – nations singing for joy. • Revelation 7:9 – a vast crowd from “every nation, tribe, people, and tongue.” Theme 2: Covenant Relationship “We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture” (v. 3). Connections: • Psalm 23 – “The LORD is my shepherd.” • Ezekiel 34:11–16 – God seeks His scattered sheep. • John 10:14 – Jesus: “I am the good shepherd.” The shepherd image stresses care, guidance, and ownership. Theme 3: Grateful Worship Thanksgiving is more than polite words; it is the heartbeat of covenant life. Compare: • Psalm 95:2 – “Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving.” • Colossians 3:15 – “Be thankful.” Archaeological Background Inscribed seals from Iron Age Judah often carry the phrase “belonging to” followed by a name. Verse 3’s “we are His” mirrors that ownership concept. Excavations at the City of David have uncovered broad, paved areas near the Gihon Spring where public worship gatherings likely occurred, fitting the psalm’s open-air feel. Musical Aspects Some manuscripts note “for thanksgiving” in the heading, suggesting a specific tune or choir arrangement. Ancient instruments mentioned in parallel psalms—lyres, cymbals, trumpets—would heighten the joyful shout. Modern worship teams can mirror this by blending instruments and congregational singing. Links to the New Testament • Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” • 1 Peter 2:9 – believers are a priesthood declaring God’s praises, echoing Psalm 100’s call. • Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always.” The joy commanded in Psalm 100 is fully realized in Christ. Practical Applications Today 1. Volume Matters: Silent reverence has its place, but this psalm gives permission for loud praise. 2. Truth Fuels Emotion: Joy is anchored in knowing God (“Know that the LORD is God”). 3. Gratitude Is the Gateway: Start prayer with thanks; it opens the heart to deeper praise. 4. Corporate Focus: Note the plural verbs—worship is a group activity. 5. Generational Hope: Teach children God’s goodness and faithfulness so praise continues “to all generations.” Connections to Other Psalms • Psalm 96: Similar call to “sing to the LORD, all the earth.” • Psalm 98: “Make a joyful noise,” using the same Hebrew ruaʿ. • Psalm 117: Shortest psalm yet global in scope, like Psalm 100. Verse-by-Verse Quick Reference • v. 1 – Global shout (Isaiah 49:6). • v. 2 – Joyful service (Deuteronomy 12:7, 12). • v. 3 – Creator-Shepherd (Acts 17:28; John 10:11). • v. 4 – Thankful entrance (Psalm 118:19–21). • v. 5 – Eternal love (Lamentations 3:22–23; James 1:17). Closing Snapshot Psalm 100 is a five-verse doorway into wholehearted worship—joyful noise, thankful hearts, solid truth, and a future secure in God’s endless love. Connections to Additional Scriptures Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! This verse echoes the call to joyful worship found in Psalm 100. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. These verses reinforce the themes of joy and thanksgiving. John 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me. This passage connects to the imagery of God as our shepherd in Psalm 100:3. Teaching Points Universal Call to Worship Psalm 100:1 begins with Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. This is an invitation for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, to participate in worship. Joyful Service Verse 2 encourages us to Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs. Our service to God should be marked by joy, reflecting our gratitude for His goodness. Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty Verse 3 reminds us, Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Recognizing God's authority and our identity as His creation is foundational to our worship. Thanksgiving and Praise Verse 4 instructs us to Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name. Gratitude is a key component of worship, acknowledging God's blessings and faithfulness. God's Enduring Love and Faithfulness The psalm concludes in verse 5 with, For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations. God's unchanging nature is the basis for our trust and worship. Practical Applications Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude Regularly reflect on God's blessings and express thankfulness in prayer and worship. Joyful Worship Approach worship services and personal devotion times with a spirit of joy, focusing on God's goodness and love. Serve with Gladness Find ways to serve others in your community or church, doing so with a joyful heart as an act of worship. Acknowledge God's Sovereignty In times of uncertainty, remind yourself of God's control and care over your life, trusting in His plan. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) Description: The central figure of the psalm, the LORD is the one to whom the psalmist directs praise and thanksgiving. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh," which is the personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with His people. The psalm calls for joyful worship and recognition of His sovereignty and goodness. 2. All the Earth Description: This phrase refers to all people and nations, indicating that the call to worship and serve the LORD is universal. The psalm begins with an invitation for "all the earth" to make a joyful noise to the LORD, highlighting the inclusivity of God's call to worship. 3. His People Description: This term specifically refers to the people of God, often understood as the Israelites in the Old Testament context. In a broader Christian perspective, it can also be seen as encompassing all believers who are part of God's covenant community. The psalm emphasizes that they are His people and the sheep of His pasture, indicating a relationship of care and guidance. Places 1. The Earth The psalm begins with a call to "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth" (Psalm 100:1). This implies a universal place where all creation is invited to worship God. The Hebrew word for "earth" is "אֶרֶץ" (erets), indicating the entire world or land. 2. His Presence The psalm encourages entering into God's presence with joy and thanksgiving. "Come into His presence with joyful songs" (Psalm 100:2). The Hebrew word for "presence" is "פָּנִים" (panim), which can also mean "face," suggesting a personal encounter with God. 3. His Gates "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4). The "gates" symbolize the entrance to the temple or a place of worship. The Hebrew word "שַׁעַר" (sha'ar) refers to a gate or entrance, often used in the context of entering a sacred space. 4. His Courts Continuing from the previous verse, "courts" refers to the areas within the temple where worshippers gather. The Hebrew word "חָצֵר" (chatser) denotes an enclosure or courtyard, emphasizing a communal place of worship. Events 1. Call to Joyful Worship "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth." (Psalm 100:1) The psalm begins with an invitation for all the earth to express joy and worship towards the LORD. The Hebrew word for "make a joyful noise" is "רוע" (rua), which implies a loud shout or acclamation. 2. Serve with Gladness "Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs." (Psalm 100:2) The psalmist encourages serving the LORD with a joyful heart. The Hebrew word "עבד" (avad) for "serve" suggests worship and labor, emphasizing a heart of gladness in service. 3. Acknowledge the LORD's Sovereignty "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture." (Psalm 100:3) This verse calls for recognition of the LORD's divine authority and creative power. The Hebrew word "ידע" (yada) for "know" implies an intimate understanding and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. 4. Enter with Thanksgiving and Praise "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name." (Psalm 100:4) Worshipers are invited to approach God with gratitude and praise. The Hebrew word "תודה" (todah) for "thanksgiving" and "תהלה" (tehillah) for "praise" highlight the importance of a thankful and praiseful heart. 5. Affirmation of God's Goodness and Faithfulness "For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations." (Psalm 100:5) The psalm concludes with a declaration of God's eternal goodness and faithfulness. The Hebrew word "חסד" (chesed) for "loving devotion" and "אמונה" (emunah) for "faithfulness" underscore God's steadfast love and reliability across generations. Lessons from Psalm 100 1. Joyful Worship is Our Calling Psalm 100 begins with a call to "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth" (Psalm 100:1). This verse reminds us that worship is not just a duty but a delight. Our Creator desires our joy, and when we worship Him with gladness, we align our hearts with His purpose. Let your worship be filled with joy, knowing that it pleases God and uplifts your spirit. 2. Serve with Gladness "Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs" (Psalm 100:2). Serving God is not a burden but a privilege. When we serve with gladness, we reflect the love and grace of Christ to those around us. Whether in church, at home, or in the community, let your service be a testament to the joy found in Christ. 3. Acknowledge His Sovereignty "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His" (Psalm 100:3). Recognizing God's sovereignty is foundational to our faith. He is the Creator, and we are His creation. This truth brings peace and purpose, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving and powerful God. 4. We Belong to Him "We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture" (Psalm 100:3). This imagery of being sheep under the care of a shepherd is comforting. It assures us of God's guidance and protection. As His people, we can trust that He will lead us to green pastures and still waters, providing for our every need. 5. Enter with Thanksgiving "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4). Gratitude is the gateway to God's presence. When we approach Him with thankful hearts, we open ourselves to His blessings and deepen our relationship with Him. Make thanksgiving a daily practice, and watch how it transforms your perspective. 6. Praise His Name "Give thanks to Him and bless His name" (Psalm 100:4). Praising God's name is more than just words; it's an expression of our reverence and love for Him. His name represents His character and deeds. By blessing His name, we acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness in our lives. 7. The LORD is Good "For the LORD is good" (Psalm 100:5). This simple yet profound truth is a cornerstone of our faith. God's goodness is unchanging, regardless of our circumstances. Trust in His goodness, and let it be a source of hope and strength in every situation. 8. His Love Endures Forever "His loving devotion endures forever" (Psalm 100:5). God's love is eternal and unwavering. Unlike human love, which can falter, His love remains constant. Embrace this truth, and let it fill you with confidence and peace, knowing that you are loved beyond measure. 9. Faithfulness Through Generations "His faithfulness continues to all generations" (Psalm 100:5). God's faithfulness is not limited to the past or present; it extends to future generations. This assurance encourages us to pass on our faith to the next generation, trusting that God will remain faithful to them as He has been to us. 10. A Call to All the Earth Psalm 100 is a universal call to worship, inviting "all the earth" to join in praise (Psalm 100:1). This inclusivity reflects God's desire for all people to know Him and experience His love. As believers, we are called to share this message of hope and salvation with the world, fulfilling the Great Commission with joy and purpose. Topics 1. Call to Worship Psalm 100 begins with an invitation to worship: "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth" (Psalm 100:1). The Hebrew word for "make a joyful noise" is "רוע" (rua), which implies a loud, enthusiastic shout of praise, emphasizing the exuberance and universality of worship. 2. Service with Gladness The psalm encourages serving the Lord with joy: "Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs" (Psalm 100:2). The Hebrew word "עבד" (abad) for "serve" suggests a sense of worshipful service, highlighting the attitude of joy and gratitude in serving God. 3. Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty The psalmist calls for recognition of God's authority: "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His" (Psalm 100:3). The Hebrew word "ידע" (yada) for "know" implies an intimate understanding and acknowledgment of God's creative power and ownership. 4. Belonging to God The verse continues with the theme of belonging: "We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture" (Psalm 100:3). This metaphor of sheep and shepherd underscores the relationship of care and guidance between God and His people, rooted in the Hebrew concept of "עם" (am) for "people." 5. Entering with Thanksgiving The psalm instructs entering God's presence with gratitude: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4). The Hebrew word "תודה" (todah) for "thanksgiving" conveys a sense of offering thanks as a form of worship, reflecting a heart of gratitude. 6. Blessing His Name The act of blessing God's name is emphasized: "Give thanks to Him and bless His name" (Psalm 100:4). The Hebrew word "ברך" (barak) for "bless" indicates an act of adoration and reverence, acknowledging God's holiness and goodness. 7. God's Goodness and Eternal Love The psalm concludes with a declaration of God's enduring nature: "For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations" (Psalm 100:5). The Hebrew word "חסד" (chesed) for "loving devotion" and "אמונה" (emunah) for "faithfulness" highlight God's steadfast love and reliability across time. Themes 1. Joyful Worship The psalm opens with a call to "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth" (Psalm 100:1). The Hebrew word for "joyful noise" (רוּעָה, ru'ah) implies a loud, enthusiastic shout of praise, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God with joy and exuberance. 2. Service with Gladness Verse 2 encourages believers to "Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs" (Psalm 100:2). The Hebrew word for "serve" (עָבַד, avad) can also mean "to work" or "to worship," suggesting that our service to God should be done with a joyful heart. 3. Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty The psalm reminds us to "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His" (Psalm 100:3). This theme emphasizes recognizing God's sovereignty and our identity as His creation. The Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע, yada) implies an intimate understanding and acknowledgment of God's authority. 4. Belonging to God The phrase "we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture" (Psalm 100:3) highlights the theme of belonging and care. The imagery of sheep and pasture reflects God's role as a shepherd who provides and cares for His flock, drawing from the Hebrew understanding of a close, protective relationship. 5. Thanksgiving and Praise Verse 4 calls believers to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name" (Psalm 100:4). The Hebrew word for "thanksgiving" (תּוֹדָה, todah) and "praise" (תְּהִלָּה, tehillah) emphasize the importance of gratitude and adoration in our relationship with God. 6. God's Goodness and Faithfulness The psalm concludes with a declaration of God's enduring nature: "For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations" (Psalm 100:5). The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, chesed) conveys God's steadfast love and mercy, while "faithfulness" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) underscores His reliability and trustworthiness across time. Prayer Points Thanksgiving Pray for a heart that continually recognizes and gives thanks for God's blessings and faithfulness. Joy in Worship Ask God to fill your heart with joy as you worship Him, both corporately and individually. Service Pray for opportunities to serve others with gladness, reflecting God's love and grace. Trust in God's Sovereignty Seek God's peace and assurance in His control over your life, especially in challenging times. As we meditate on Psalm 100, may our hearts be filled with joy and gratitude, leading us to worship and serve our Lord with gladness. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can “all the earth” (Psalm 100:1) be expected to shout joyfully if many do not believe in or acknowledge this God? 2. If we accept scientific evidence for human origins, how does “the Lord… made us” (Psalm 100:3) align with evolutionary theory? 3. If God’s faithful love “continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5), how do we reconcile this claim with widespread suffering and injustice throughout history? 4. Why does the psalm present worship at the temple (“enter his gates,” Psalm 100:4) as essential, when other parts of the Bible emphasize worship outside Jerusalem’s temple? 5. Could the historical and archaeological evidence of diverse ancient religions challenge the exclusivity of “the Lord is God” (Psalm 100:3)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 100 guide your understanding of what joyful worship should look like? 2. In what ways can we serve the Lord with gladness in our daily lives? 3. Verse 3 reminds us that we are God's creation. How does this influence your sense of self and your relationship with God? 4. In what ways are we the "sheep of His pasture" as mentioned in verse 3? 5. What does entering God's gates with thanksgiving mean to you personally? 6. How can we apply the concept of entering His courts with praise in modern-day worship settings? 7. How does the affirmation of God's enduring truth and mercy in verse 5 provide comfort or assurance in your personal life? 8. How can you show thankfulness to God in your everyday actions? 9. How can this Psalm inspire a more joyous approach to worship in your community? 10. Psalm 100 is considered a "universal call" to worship. How does this Psalm encourage inclusivity in worship? 11. How does the acknowledgement of God's sovereignty in Psalm 100 impact your view on human authority and power? 12. How does the Psalm's emphasis on God's eternal goodness and mercy influence your perspective on God's character? 13. In what ways does the joyful service to the Lord portrayed in this Psalm contrast with societal views on servitude? 14. In the context of the Psalm, how would you define 'joyful songs' in today's world? 15. How can we "bless His name" in the midst of adversity or hardship? 16. How can we translate the spirit of Psalm 100 into practical acts of service towards others? 17. How does understanding that God's truth endures to all generations provide hope in uncertain times? 18. What does it mean to you that God's mercy is everlasting? 19. How can the joy and gratitude expressed in Psalm 100 impact your personal and communal prayers? 20. How can we cultivate a more profound sense of gratitude, as suggested by Psalm 100, in our present-day society? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions