King James Version
What Does Psalms 95:7 Mean?
“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,”
Context
5
The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. The sea: Heb. Whose the sea is
6
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
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,
8
Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: provocation: Heb. contention
9
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **To-day if . . .**—In joining this clause with Psalm 95:8-9 the Authorised Version follows the LXX. The Masoretic text connects it with the preceding part of the verse, and there seems no good reason for departing from that arrangement. Indeed, the change from the third person, “his voice,” to the first, “tempted me,” in the same sentence is intolerable even in Hebrew poetry. Nor is there any necessity to suppose the loss of a line. Render: “For He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the sheep of his hand. Today would that ye would hearken to his voice.” The Oriental custom of leading flocks by the voice is doubtless alluded to, as in John 10:4. Notice the resemblance in Psalm 95:6-7 to Psalm 100:3-4.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 95:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 95:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge