Psalms 22:23
Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
Psalms 22:23: "Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel."
This verse broadens the invitation to praise from a personal or intimate circle to the entire community defined by reverence for the Lord. The call to "praise him" is directed to those who fear the Lord, and the language of “the seed of Jacob” and “the seed of Israel” emphasizes continuity with Israel’s patriarchal and national identity. The exhortation is both religious and socio-cultural: praise becomes a communal virtue that unites the people around shared experiences of God’s faithfulness. The repeated emphasis on fear of the Lord functions as a key theological motif in Psalms, where true praise flows from reverent trust and obedience. In historical terms, Israel’s liturgy was a collective practice designed to teach future generations about God’s character and mighty deeds.
Theologically, the verse ties fear of the Lord to praise and glorification, showing that genuine worship arises from awe and fidelity. It underscores corporate responsibility: those who know God must lead in praise so that the wider community learns to revere Him. This also connects to the covenantal identity of Israel—being God’s people involves a lifestyle of worship that manifests in public gladness and reverence. Theologically, it invites readers to consider how communal worship shapes individual faith. In the broader biblical arc, New Testament readers are reminded that the church is a gathered people who glorify God together, testifying to His salvation.
Practical steps: participate in corporate worship with a spirit of reverence while inviting others to join. If you lead a small group, create space for praise and testimony; invite people who have experienced God’s faithfulness to share. In family life, model reverent awe for God and incorporate regular practices of worship—singing, reading Scripture, praying aloud in gratitude. For those who feel distant from church, find a local community where God’s presence is celebrated with sincerity. The point is not performance but heartfelt awe that overflows into public worship and daily living. By living as “the seed of Jacob” who glorifies God, you become a visible sign of hope in your neighborhood.
Cross-References: Psalm 22:22; Psalm 29:2; Isaiah 12:4; Acts 16:25; 1 Chronicles 16:9.