A call to worship God as the LORD of all creation and as Israel's Redeemer, and a warning that worship must be accompanied by a life of obedience.
Scripture References:
st. l = vv.1-2
st. 2 = vv. 3-5
st. 3 = vv. 6-7
st. 4 = vv. 8-11
The Levites sang this psalm in the liturgy of a high festival that annually celebrated the cosmic rule of the LORD (perhaps the Feast of Tabernacles). Worship leaders call the congregation of God's people to praise the LORD (st. 1) as the one true God and the King of all creation (st. 2). As Israel's Maker and Shepherd, the LORD is to be worshiped reverently (st. 3) and served in humble obedience. God warns the people not to harden their hearts as their ancestors had done in the wilderness (w. 8-10). The people will enter into the LORD's promised "rest" only if they live according to God's will (st. 4). The versification (altered) is from the 1912 Psalter. Another setting of Psalm 95 is at 173.
Liturgical Use
During Lent; beginning of worship (st. 1-3); during the service of confession (st. 4).
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1988
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