Psalm 100/Notes/Lexical.Vv. 4-5.832939
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
- ברכו bless: Blessing is a rich and multi-faceted concept in the Hebrew Bible, with a wide range of meaning and usage. One of the most central components of blessing, however, is that of "speaking well of" another (NIDOTTE 1997: 766-767). This applies both to God blessing humans and humans blessing God, as we have in this verse (Ps. 100:4). "God blesses human beings by speaking well of them, thereby imparting “blessing” (good things) to them, and so they are “blessed” (בָּרוּךְ); human beings bless God by speaking well of him, attributing “blessing” (good qualities) to him, and so he is “blessed” (בָּרוּךְ)—i.e., praised and praiseworthy" (NIDOTTE 1997: 764).
- In this verse, then, the addressees are called upon to "bless" YHWH by speaking well of him, celebrating and speaking of his attributes and excellencies. This is exactly what is taking place, with the following three clauses celebrating and speaking of YHWH's goodness (v. 5a), loyalty (v. 5b), and faithfulness (v. 5c).
- Furthermore, this blessing is almost always intertwined with thankfulness and praise, as seen with the call of הוֹדוּ (give thanks/praise) in the preceding clause.
- חסד loyalty / faithfulness / devotion / love / lovingkindness: The word for loyalty (חֶסֶד - hesed) refers to YHWH's faithful commitment towards fulfilling his covenantal obligations towards his people, even when they themselves are unfaithful (cf. SDBH). This loyalty (hesed) stretches all the way back through Israel's history (paradigmatically in the exodus from Egypt), and stretches all the way on "forever".
- אמונה faithfulness / reliability / trustworthiness / truth: The "state in which humans and deities are considered worthy of trust, because they are truthful and committed, with an unwavering disposition, which is reflected in their actions" (SDBH).
