Psalm 100:5

Commentary on Psalm 100:5

Psalm 100:5 New King James Version

⁵ For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.

Scriptural Context and Overview
Psalm 100 is a jubilant call to worship, urging believers to enter God’s presence with gratitude and gladness. In verse 5, the psalmist encapsulates the very essence of why such worship is not only appropriate but necessary:

“For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” (NKJV)

This verse is not simply a statement of divine attributes but a foundational teaching that moulds both doctrine and daily practice. It reveals three central facets of God’s character—His goodness, His everlasting mercy, and the enduring nature of His truth—which together call believers to respond with heartfelt praise and unwavering confidence in His sovereign providence.

1. “For the LORD is good”
God’s intrinsic goodness is understood as a fundamental aspect of His being. This goodness is not an arbitrary attribute but flows from His nature as the sovereign Creator, sustainer, and Redeemer. The belief that God is inherently good means that every act or decree of God is ultimately for the benefit of His people—even when human eyes cannot immediately discern the purpose behind His ways. This assurance inspires believers to worship with confidence, knowing that God’s governance of the world is marked by benevolence and wisdom. Such trust is vital in a world where uncertainty and suffering often cloud human understanding.

2. “His mercy is everlasting”
The phrase “His mercy is everlasting” speaks directly to the emphasis on the covenant of grace. God’s mercy, as revealed throughout Scripture, is an unmerited gift that never ceases—even when humanity falls short. This everlasting mercy points to the salvation secured through Jesus Christ, a salvation that is not based on our works but on God’s gracious initiative. In practical terms, for modern believers, the promise of everlasting mercy provides continual comfort and assurance. It reminds us that no matter how far we may stray, God’s invitation to repentance and redemption remains open, drawing us back into His loving care with a compassion that endures beyond time.

3. “And His truth endures to all generations”
The enduring truth of God speaks to the consistency and reliability of His Word. The Bible is held as the unchanging revelation of God’s will and character—a truth that stands in stark contrast to the shifting values of human society. God’s promises, revealed both in the Old and New Testaments, are immutable. This eternal truth serves as the bedrock upon which Christian doctrine is built and gives believers a firm foundation to stand on amid the uncertainties of modern life. Whether one faces personal trials or cultural challenges, the assurance that God’s truth endures to all generations inspires courageous, faithful living anchored in His eternal verities (a true principle or belief, especially one of fundamental importance: the eternal verities.).

Applications for Modern Christian Living
Psalm 100:5 is a source of both comfort and challenge. The verse is a call to:

• Worship with joyful assurance: Recognising that our God is good compels us to offer our praise without reservation. In every circumstance—whether in seasons of plenty or in times of trial—we are invited to celebrate the unwavering character of our Lord.
• Embrace a posture of gratitude: The promise of everlasting mercy encourages believers to live in continual gratitude, knowing that our forgiveness and restoration come from a God who never abandons His covenant people.
• Stand firm on divine truth: In a rapidly changing world, the lasting truth of God’s Word provides a stable and secure guide for ethics, doctrine, and daily decision-making. This enduring truth calls us to reject the transient and embrace that which is eternal.

By internalising these truths, modern Christians are equipped to navigate life with hope and steadfast faith. They learn to model the same mercy and truth in their interactions, becoming living testimonies to the character of the God who is good, merciful, and faithful.

The Core Teaching of Psalm 100:5
At its heart, Psalm 100:5 teaches that the very foundation for Christian worship and daily living is found in the unchanging nature of God. His inherent goodness, boundless mercy, and eternal truth are not only the reasons for our praise—they are the very grounds for our hope. These attributes affirm that God’s reign is both benevolent and just, providing a secure refuge for His people. This truth invites us to live boldly, to trust deeply, and to share the transformative grace of God with a world in desperate need of His light.

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This commentary examines the enduring relevance of Psalm 100:5 for contemporary believers. Through an unwavering trust in God’s goodness, a deep appreciation for His everlasting mercy, and a commitment to living by His eternal truth, modern Christians are reminded to worship with joy and live with hope in every generation.