Psalms 89:15
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
Original Language Analysis
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
Blessed
H835
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
Blessed
Strong's:
H835
Word #:
1 of 8
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
הָ֭עָם
is the people
H5971
הָ֭עָם
is the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יֹדְעֵ֣י
that know
H3045
יֹדְעֵ֣י
that know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
תְרוּעָ֑ה
the joyful sound
H8643
תְרוּעָ֑ה
the joyful sound
Strong's:
H8643
Word #:
4 of 8
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
O LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּֽאוֹר
in the light
H216
בְּֽאוֹר
in the light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
6 of 8
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 44:3For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.Psalms 100:1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.Numbers 10:10Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God.Isaiah 2:5O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.Acts 2:28Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.Psalms 4:6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.Job 29:3When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;Nahum 1:15Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.Leviticus 25:9Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.Numbers 6:26The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Historical Context
The shofar announced Sabbaths, new moons, Jubilee years, and coronations. Its blast signaled God's reign and deliverance. The 'blessed people' who knew this sound were those in covenant relationship with God, attuned to His presence and summons. The early church understood this as those who hear and respond to the gospel trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:52).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically to 'know the joyful sound' of God's voice in Scripture and prayer?
- How does 'walking in the light of His countenance' contrast with living in spiritual darkness or hiding from God?
- In what ways can you become more attuned to recognizing God's presence and responding to His summons?
Analysis & Commentary
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound (אַשְׁרֵי הָעָם יֹדְעֵי תְרוּעָה)—Ashrei (blessed, happy) describes the people who yada (know, experience) the teruah (trumpet blast, shout of joy, battle cry). This refers to the ram's horn (shofar) blown at festivals and coronations. They shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance (יְהוָה בְּאֹור־פָּנֶיךָ יְהַלֵּכוּן)—Halak (walk, live) in the or (light) of God's panim (face, presence) means living under His favor and guidance.
The 'joyful sound' connects to Numbers 10:10 where trumpets announced God's presence and favor. Those who 'know' this sound—who recognize God's voice and respond—live in the radiance of His face, echoing the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12), and believers 'walk in the light as He is in the light' (1 John 1:7). Paul instructs us to 'walk as children of light' (Ephesians 5:8).