Reflections on Psalms 100

 Psalms 100(Contemporary English Version)

1. (A psalm of praise.) Shout praises to the LORD, everyone on this earth.
   
2. Be joyful and sing as you come in to worship the LORD!
   
3. You know the LORD is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture.
   
4. Be thankful and praise the LORD as you enter his temple.
   
5. The LORD is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever.

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The hundredth psalm is one of the most prominently known psalms in the psalter due in part to the hymns based on it. It is a call to all the earth to give thanks to the Lord, and to do so trimphantly. Though it was written for use in Israel's worship in the temple with the sacrifices of praise, its call to "all the earth" points to the fact that praising the God of Israel is not, and never was, intended for Israel alone but for all people. For we are all, "His people, the sheep of His pasture." (100:3)

Verse 3 brings together the wonderful reality of our relationship with God. First we are told that the Lord is God who has made us. As our Creator He is far above us, and as God He is unapproachable. But then we are told that we are His people, the sheep of His pasture, which brings Him near to us and approachable. This is reason to be glad and to be thankful. Therefore, we should "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise." (100:4)

In the closing verse we are given further reason to give thanks and praise, "For the LORD is good, and His love is eternal."