Psalms 100:3
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Psalms 100:3
This verse declares core identity: the LORD is God, and He is creator and shepherd. “Know ye that the LORD he is God” asserts experiential knowledge, a confident acknowledgment grounded in revelation and history. Israel’s memory centers on God as the one who made them—“it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves”—a humbling reminder that life and belonging originate with God, not human effort. The phrase “we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” uses shepherd imagery common in ancient Israel’s agrarian society. God as shepherd implies guidance, protection, provision, and ongoing care. The image also reflects covenant language: a beloved flock under a trustworthy guardian. The verse sets up the wider psalm’s call to gratitude and trust, reminding worshippers that their status before God is not earned but received—part of a gracious relationship.
Key themes include monotheism (LORD as God), divine sovereignty (creator), and intimate shepherding (pasture). Recognizing God’s authority grounds ethical and communal life in trust rather than self-sufficiency. The shepherd metaphor expresses care, discipline, and directional guidance—God leads, people follow. This recognition underpins gratitude, humility, and obedience, shaping how one views status, work, and belonging. It also contrasts human productivity with God’s sovereignty: creation is God’s doing, not ours, which humbles pride and invites dependence on divine provision. The verse connects creation to community identity—the people belong to God, like sheep to a shepherd. It foreshadows later prophetic and pastoral imagery, where God’s care is central to faithfulness.
In today’s hectic world, this verse can ground identity beyond achievement. If you struggle with worth tied to performance, rehearse: God made me, therefore I belong to Him. Seek intentional reliance on God as provider and guide. Consider practices that acknowledge His shepherding: daily scriptural refocusing, praying for direction, and naming God’s faithful acts in your life (pasture, provision, protection). As a community, remind one another that belonging comes from God’s initiative, not our merit—celebrate being part of a larger story. Let this awareness affect decisions—work, finances, relationships—aligning them with trust in God’s care. If you feel lost, picture yourself as a sheep in a good shepherd’s care, listening for his voice and following it, especially in uncertain seasons.
Cross-References: Psalm 23:1-3; Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 95:7; John 10:11-14; 1 Peter 2:25