Psalms 95:7

For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֘י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ה֤וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ

H430

For he is our God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַאֲנַ֤חְנוּ

H587

עַ֣ם

H5971

and we are the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מַ֭רְעִיתוֹ

H4830

of his pasture

pasturage; concretely, a flock

וְצֹ֣אן

H6629

and the sheep

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

יָד֑וֹ

H3027

of his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַ֝יּ֗וֹם

H3117

To day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#10

אִֽם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

בְּקֹל֥וֹ

H6963

his voice

a voice or sound

#12

תִשְׁמָֽעוּ׃

H8085

if ye will hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 95 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?