Psalms 22:3
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
קָד֑וֹשׁ
But thou art holy
H6918
קָד֑וֹשׁ
But thou art holy
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
2 of 5
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
י֝וֹשֵׁ֗ב
O thou that inhabitest
H3427
י֝וֹשֵׁ֗ב
O thou that inhabitest
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Cross References
Psalms 50:23Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.Deuteronomy 10:21He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.Isaiah 6:3And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.Revelation 4:8And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.Psalms 99:9Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.Psalms 65:1Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.Psalms 145:17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Historical Context
Israel's worship life centered on acknowledging God's holiness and praising His covenant faithfulness. Even when suffering exile or oppression, the community continued liturgical praise, trusting God's character over circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you praise God's holiness even when experiencing His apparent distance?
- What does it mean that God 'inhabits' the praises of His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Even in anguish, the psalmist affirms God's holiness—'thou art holy.' The phrase 'inhabitest the praises of Israel' (Hebrew: yashav tehillot) means God is enthroned upon or dwells amid His people's worship. Reformed theology sees this as covenant faithfulness: God's character remains constant regardless of circumstances. Suffering doesn't negate God's holiness; rather, holy worship continues even in suffering. This verse models theodicy—affirming God's goodness while experiencing unexplained pain.