Psalm 100: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 100 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

All the lands are invited to shout for joy to Yahweh (vv. 1-2). They are to serve him with gladness and come before him with singing. The psalmist calls for recognition of God's sovereignty, stating that Yahweh is God. He made the people, and they are his. They are the sheep of his pasture (v. 3). The invitation continues as they enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise (v. 4). They are to give thanks and bless his name. Finally, the psalmist affirms that Yahweh is good, and his loving kindness lasts forever (v. 5).

Key verse

“Know that Yahweh, he is God. It is he who has made us, and we are his. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
Psalms 100:3 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 100:1–2 Invitation to Worship with Joy
Psalm 100:3 Recognition of God's Sovereignty
Psalm 100:4 Entering God's Presence with Gratitude
Psalm 100:5 Affirmation of God's Goodness

Discussion questions

In v2, what does the psalmist instruct us to do when serving Yahweh?
What imagery is used in v3 to describe God's relationship with His people?
In v3, what does it mean that 'we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture'?
Why does the psalmist emphasize 'his loving kindness' in v5?
When have you felt the need to 'enter into his gates with thanksgiving' (v4)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 100: Psalm 46, Psalm 95, Ephesians 2.

Before next time: read Psalm 101.