Day 252, September 9 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Psalms 93–100
Praise God
There are times like Thanksgiving when it is especially fitting to praise God for the blessings he has given us. But, is Thanksgiving the only time we should publicly praise him? Is public praise of God appropriate, or should we just keep it in our churches and other religious assemblies? When and how should we praise God?
Psalms 93-100 were written late in Israel’s history, before the New Testament era. The context of praise in these Psalms fits the period after God brought the Israelites back to their own land from exile.
Why God is worthy of praise
The LORD forgave their sin and wickedness. Then he influenced the heart of King Cyrus to issue a decree to let them return to their own land. There they could rebuild their temple, city, and houses.
Cyrus granted them protection from their enemies. He also ordered the surrounding cities and enemy nations to help the Israelites, providing them with gold, silver, goods, and even livestock for sacrificing to their God.
Under the LORD’s protecting hand, they built an altar to sacrifice and worship him. They laid a foundation for their temple in the middle of hostile neighbors. It may have been at this time that these songs were composed for worship.
Israel praises the LORD for many things. The Israelites praise him for the discipline that they experienced to bring them back to him (Psalm 94:12-15).
That might sound strange to many people. Are any of us thankful for the pains we have gone through to bring us back to God? Those who can relate to that tell us that a good relationship with the LORD is worth it. They learned their lesson—they don’t ever want to stray again.
The Israelites also thank him for his comfort when their anxiety was great within them (94:19). This might be a reference to being in their homeland, surrounded by their enemies. Israel further thanks God for deliverance from her enemies. She praises God because he is the Rock of her salvation and because he is God above all gods. He makes even the impossible possible.
His people kneel down before their maker. They praise him because he is their shepherd, and they are the sheep under his care. (Psalm 95:1-7).
How should we worship God?
Should our worship be quiet and reflective? There is time for silent worship, and there is time for shouting and singing for joy! When in deep remorse, the Jews turned to God from their sins, he completely forgave and delivered them from their seventy-year exile in Babylon. And God made it possible for them to return to their land and rebuild! This was a cause for loud rejoicing, clapping hands, and dancing!
Many think that Christians should keep God to themselves and in their churches. Psalms 96, 98, and 100, however, encourage us to let the entire world know the greatness of the LORD. Yes, we should praise him in our churches so believers may get encouragement, but we should also praise God in our neighborhoods and the market place. All people need to know there is an Almighty God in heaven who works in the lives of people here on earth. They need to know of his might, justice, holiness, and love.
Sharing our praise develops a hunger within people to know him, and God wants us to do this daily. Do we know him? He offers us forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life (more...). He is deserving of all praise. What has God done for us recently that we can share with people? Let’s be specific with our praise like the Israelites.Discussion
Why is God worthy of praise in your life? Be specific.
Which forms of worship are appropriate? Support your answer, if possible.
Should we keep our religion to ourselves or share it? Why and how?
Focus Verses
Psalm 96:2-4 (NIV)
Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. (NIV)
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Looking Ahead: After the LORD allows Israel to return to their land and rebuild their temple and city, we return to Babylon. There, an angel comes to visit Daniel to tell him What’s Next for his people. What’s next for us? The answer depends on how we respond to God’s Word. Learn more in our Next Lesson.
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