Psalms 95:7
For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
Psalms 95:7
Verse 7 continues the image of God as shepherd and pasture—an intimate, pastoral metaphor. The Lord is “our God,” personal and covenantal, and his people are “the sheep of his hand.” In ancient Near Eastern culture, a shepherd cared for, protected, and guided flocks; a pasture is a place of provisioning and safety. The phrase “To day if ye will hear his voice” emphasizes the present, urgent invitation to respond to God’s leadership. The psalm thus blends tenderness with a call to allegiance: God leads his people into relationship and provision; they respond with listening and trust. The line echoes the broader biblical motif of God’s people as a flock under a good shepherd’s care (cf. Psalm 23; Isaiah 40). The immediacy of “To day” suggests that God’s voice is accessible in the present moment, inviting people to decisions that affect life’s outcomes.
This verse underscores two key themes: God’s intimate care as shepherd and the ethics of attentive hearing. The shepherd-flock image appears repeatedly in Scripture, signaling guidance, nourishment, protection, and accountability. Hearing God’s voice implies obedience and trust. Theologically, it anchors the believer’s identity in relationship—God’s people are known, led, and sustained by him. It also ties into a responsive covenant: you are “the sheep” under the shepherd, and the daily hearing of God’s voice is part of ongoing faithfulness. The call to hear emphasizes the dynamic nature of relationship with God: it’s not merely about memory or ritual; it is about ongoing, present responsiveness to God’s leadership.
Practically, this invites us to cultivate daily attentiveness to God’s guidance. Create space to listen—scripture reading with prayer, meditation, or journaling questions like, “Where is God leading me today?” In family life, invite conversation about God’s guidance at the table or bedtime: “What did God teach us today?” In work or school, ask: “How can I follow God’s voice in this decision or action?” The shepherd image also encourages trust during uncertainty: lean into God’s care when plans fail or circumstances threaten. Remember that provision often comes through simple, faithful steps—like choosing integrity, serving others, or choosing rest instead of overwork. The invitation remains: to hear and respond, today.
Cross-References: Psalm 23:1-3; Isaiah 40:11; John 10:3-4; Hebrews 3:15; Ezekiel 34:11-16