Psalms 95 - Introduction

Of the author of this psalm nothing is certainly known. It is, however, ascribed to David in the Latin Vulgate and in the Septuagint; and in Hebrews 4:7, it is referred to as a psalm of David: “Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, ‘Today, if ye will hear his voice,’” etc. This language may refer in general to the Book of Psalms, called from their chief author, the Psalms of David; or it may mean that David was the author of this particular psalm. Either supposition would meet all that is demanded by the quotation in the Epistle to the Hebrews. There is, however, no improbability in the supposition that the psalm was written by David, as he doubtless composed many songs to which his name was not attached.

Nothing is known of the “occasion” on which the psalm was composed. It is a general song of praise, and contains only such language as might be proper in any period of the Jewish history after the people were established in the promised land. It is, indeed, a “Hebrew” song; it has reference to the Hebrew people; and it contains such arguments and appeals as would be particularly adapted to influence them.

The psalm consists of three parts:

I. An exhortation to praise and worship God, Psalms 95:1.

II. Reasons for offering such praise, Psalms 95:3 :

(a) He is a great God, Psalms 95:3;

(b) He has made all things, and all things are under his control, Psalms 95:4;

(c) He is our Maker, Psalms 95:6;

(d) He is our God, and we are his people, Psalms 95:7.

III. An exhortation not to harden the heart; not to be perverse and rebellious, Psalms 95:7. This is enforced by the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, and by the results which followed from their tempting God, and provoking his wrath. The appeal is founded on the fact that, in consequence of their rebellion, they were shut out of the promised land. On the same principle, if we are rebellious, we shall be excluded from heaven.