It Is Good to Give Thanks to the Lord: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 92

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 92, “It Is Good to Give Thanks to the Lord,” is a paean of praise perfectly suited for Sabbath worship, though its message resonates every day. This psalm delves into the profound benefits of acknowledging God’s goodness and steadfast love, especially in the face of life’s inevitable challenges. We explore the contrast between the righteous, who flourish like palm trees planted in the Lord’s house, and the wicked, whose apparent success is fleeting. From a Coptic Orthodox perspective, Psalm 92 underscores the importance of constant thanksgiving, the certainty of divine justice, and the promise of eternal life for those who remain faithful. The psalm inspires us to cultivate an inner sanctuary of gratitude, allowing us to see God’s hand in all things and to patiently await His ultimate triumph over evil. This is especially relevant in our modern world, which often distracts us from the fundamental joy of knowing and serving the living God. “It Is Good to Give Thanks to the Lord”, not just on Sundays, but every moment of our lives.

This psalm, beloved in the Coptic tradition, reminds us to find joy and thanksgiving in our daily walk with God. Let us delve into the depths of this beautiful psalm, uncovering its spiritual treasures and applying its wisdom to our lives, ultimately understanding why “It Is Good to Give Thanks to the Lord.”

Commentary Sections 📖

Psalm 92:1 (KJV)

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:”

The Septuagint rendering of this verse emphasizes the inherent goodness in thanksgiving. The Greek, “Ἀγαθὸν τὸ ἐξομολογεῖσθαι τῷ Κυρίῳ καὶ ψάλλειν τῷ ὀνόματί σου, Ὕψιστε,” (“Agathon to exomologeisthai tō Kyriō kai psallein tō onomati sou, Hypsiste”), highlights the moral and spiritual benefit derived from expressing gratitude. This verse serves as a foundational statement for the entire psalm. Thanksgiving isn’t merely an obligation; it’s a pathway to spiritual well-being. The designation “O most High” (Ὕψιστε) reminds us of God’s transcendence and sovereignty, emphasizing the magnitude of the One to whom we offer our praise. This verse, within the Coptic Orthodox tradition, resonates with the countless hymns and praises offered in our liturgies, such as the Agpeya prayers. In our world of constant demands and fleeting pleasures, consciously taking time to offer thanks shifts our focus from what we lack to what we possess in Christ. Make time daily to consciously pray using the Agpeya, which can be made easier if you have a personalized domain on Dohost.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a daily habit of thanksgiving. Start your day by acknowledging God’s blessings, no matter how small they may seem. A gratitude journal can be a powerful tool to train your mind to recognize God’s presence and provision in your life.

Psalm 92:2 (KJV)

“To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,”

This verse underscores the importance of consistent acknowledgement of God’s attributes. “Lovingkindness” (chesed in Hebrew) speaks to God’s covenant love, a steadfast commitment to His people. “Faithfulness” refers to His unwavering truthfulness and reliability. The pairing of morning and night signifies the need for continuous praise, a round-the-clock awareness of God’s presence. St. Basil the Great, in his “On the Holy Spirit,” speaks of the importance of continuous prayer, saying, “Δεῖ ἡμᾶς μὴ μόνον ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν οἴκῳ μνημονεύειν τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ διὰ τοῦτο πάντοτε προσεύχεσθαι” (“Dei hēmas mē monon en tē ekklēsia, alla kai en oikō mnēmoneuein tou Theou, kai dia touto pantote proseuchesthai”) – “We ought not only in church, but also at home to remember God, and therefore to pray always” (St. Basil, On the Holy Spirit, XXVII). This consistent remembrance fuels a deeper relationship with God and strengthens our faith. The urban environment of ancient Israel, with its cycles of commerce and rest, provides a backdrop for understanding the need for regular remembrance. Today, we should also create a routine to give thanks daily.

Spiritual Application: Establish morning and evening prayer routines where you specifically reflect on God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness. Consider incorporating specific Bible verses that speak to these attributes into your prayers.

Psalm 92:3 (KJV)

“Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.”

This verse emphasizes the role of music in expressing praise. The mention of specific instruments – the instrument of ten strings, the psaltery, and the harp – highlights the richness and variety of musical expression in ancient Israelite worship. Music elevates our praise, allowing us to express emotions and sentiments that words alone cannot convey. The early Church Fathers recognized the power of music to stir the soul and direct it towards God. St. Augustine, in his “Confessions,” writes of the profound impact of hymns and psalms on his own conversion experience. We know the Coptic Orthodox church prides itself in its unique chant and praise, something that has been passed down through generations.

Spiritual Application: Incorporate music into your personal worship. Sing hymns, play a musical instrument, or simply listen to uplifting music that draws you closer to God. Explore the rich tradition of Coptic Orthodox hymnology.

Psalm 92:4 (KJV)

“For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.”

Here, the psalmist declares that his joy stems directly from God’s actions. The “work” and “works of thy hands” likely refer to God’s creation and His interventions in human history. Recognizing God’s hand in all things—both the grand and the seemingly mundane—cultivates a spirit of continuous thanksgiving. This perspective aligns with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of Divine Providence, where God actively governs and guides all things according to His perfect will. Our modern world often attributes success to human effort alone, failing to acknowledge the underlying grace and provision of God. Take a moment to look at all you have accomplished, and appreciate that God’s hand was with you.

Spiritual Application: Take time to reflect on God’s activity in your life. Identify specific instances where you have witnessed His hand at work, and offer thanks for His intervention.

Psalm 92:5-6 (KJV)

“O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.”

These verses highlight the unfathomable nature of God’s wisdom and the inability of the unspiritual mind to grasp His ways. The psalmist contrasts divine wisdom with the limitations of human understanding. This concept echoes St. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:14: “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” This emphasizes the need for spiritual illumination to comprehend God’s purposes. God’s thoughts are “very deep,” reflecting the vastness and complexity of His plan, which surpasses human comprehension. The “brutish man” and the “fool” are those who are spiritually insensitive and fail to recognize God’s hand in the world. We must be aware of the temptation to rely solely on human intellect, lest we blind ourselves to the deeper realities of faith.

Spiritual Application: Pray for spiritual discernment, asking God to open your eyes to His wisdom and understanding. Engage in regular Bible study and prayer to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.

Psalm 92:7 (KJV)

“When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:”

This verse addresses the apparent prosperity of the wicked. The imagery of grass springing up quickly symbolizes the fleeting and ultimately insignificant nature of their success. Their flourishing is temporary, leading to eventual destruction. This verse offers comfort to those who struggle to understand why evil seems to prosper. It is a reminder that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, and that the wicked will not escape His judgment. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of enduring trials with patience, trusting in God’s ultimate victory. As Christians, we must remember to not be tempted by worldly riches, as our true treasures lie in heaven.

Spiritual Application: When tempted to envy the success of the wicked, remember that their prosperity is temporary. Focus on cultivating righteousness and enduring in faith, knowing that God will ultimately reward those who remain faithful.

Psalm 92:8 (KJV)

“But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.”

This verse contrasts the fleeting success of the wicked with the eternal sovereignty of God. While the wicked may seem to flourish for a time, God’s reign is everlasting. The assurance of God’s eternal reign offers comfort and stability amidst the uncertainties of life. This verse echoes the Coptic Orthodox belief in the unchanging nature of God, as expressed in the Nicene Creed: “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God.”

Spiritual Application: Meditate on the eternal nature of God and His unchanging love. Find comfort in the knowledge that He is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic.

Psalm 92:9-11 (KJV)

“For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.”

These verses express the psalmist’s confidence in God’s victory over his enemies and his own elevation. The “horn” symbolizes strength and power. The “unicorn” (likely referring to a wild ox) represents untamed strength. The “anointing with fresh oil” signifies divine favor and blessing. The “horn” represents strength and honor, signifying the psalmist’s exaltation through God’s power. The “fresh oil” symbolizes renewal and divine favor, indicative of God’s abundant blessings. This section emphasizes the ultimate triumph of the righteous over the wicked. It reflects the Coptic Orthodox belief in the victory of Christ over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life for those who follow Him. The desire to see justice done is a natural human impulse, but it must be tempered with the understanding that vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19). We must focus on praying for the repentance of our enemies, rather than seeking their destruction.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God to vindicate you and to bring justice to your situation. Focus on praying for your enemies, rather than seeking revenge.

Psalm 92:12-15 (KJV)

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”

These verses paint a vivid picture of the righteous, flourishing and bearing fruit even in old age. The comparison to the palm tree and the cedar of Lebanon emphasizes their strength, longevity, and fruitfulness. The palm tree, vital in the desert environment, provides shade and fruit, symbolizing the benefits the righteous bring to their community. The cedar, known for its strength and durability, represents steadfastness and resilience. Being “planted in the house of the Lord” symbolizes a deep and abiding relationship with God, nourished by worship and fellowship. The phrase “fat and flourishing” speaks to spiritual abundance and vitality. They “still bring forth fruit in old age,” showing that righteousness leads to lasting productivity and blessing. This underscores the consistent character of God. The righteous, firmly rooted in faith, continue to bear fruit throughout their lives, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and justice.

Spiritual Application: Seek to be deeply rooted in the house of the Lord through regular worship, prayer, and fellowship. Strive to bear fruit in all seasons of life, trusting that God will sustain you even in old age.

Subtopic Sections 🕊️

Let’s examine the spiritual treasures that Psalm 92 holds for our everyday lives:

• The Importance of Gratitude: Cultivate a daily habit of expressing gratitude to God for His countless blessings.
• The Steadfastness of God: Remember that God’s love and faithfulness are unwavering, even in the face of adversity.
• The Triumph of the Righteous: Trust in God’s ultimate victory over evil and His reward for those who remain faithful.
• The Importance of Worship: Engage in regular worship and fellowship to deepen your relationship with God and be nourished by His presence.
• The Fruitfulness of a Righteous Life: Strive to live a life that bears fruit, bringing glory to God and blessing to others.
• The Promise of Eternal Life: Find hope and comfort in the promise of eternal life for those who trust in Christ.

FAQ ❓

Let’s address some common questions regarding Psalm 92:

• Q: Why does the psalm emphasize thanksgiving so strongly?

  A: Thanksgiving is a foundational aspect of our relationship with God. It acknowledges His goodness, His provision, and His sovereignty. It shifts our focus from our needs to His blessings, cultivating contentment and joy.

• Q: How can I apply the psalm’s message in my daily life?

  A: Cultivate a daily habit of gratitude, reflecting on God’s blessings and expressing thanks in prayer. Engage in regular worship and fellowship to deepen your relationship with Him. Strive to live a righteous life that bears fruit, bringing glory to God and blessing to others.

• Q: What does it mean to be “planted in the house of the Lord?”

  A: Being “planted in the house of the Lord” signifies a deep and abiding relationship with God, nourished by worship, prayer, and fellowship. It means being actively involved in the life of the Church and allowing God’s Word to take root in your heart.

• Q: How does this psalm speak to the problem of evil and suffering?

  A: The psalm acknowledges the apparent prosperity of the wicked, but assures us that their success is fleeting. It reminds us that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, and that the righteous will be rewarded for their faithfulness. This provides hope and comfort amidst the challenges of life.

Conclusion ✨

Psalm 92, “It Is Good to Give Thanks to the Lord,” is a timeless testament to the power of gratitude, the steadfastness of God, and the ultimate triumph of the righteous. Through its vivid imagery and profound insights, the psalm invites us to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, to trust in God’s unwavering love, and to live lives that bear fruit for His glory. In a world often filled with negativity and uncertainty, Psalm 92 reminds us of the enduring joy and hope that are found in knowing and serving the living God. Let us, therefore, embrace the message of this psalm and make it a guiding principle in our daily lives, always remembering that it is indeed “It Is Good to Give Thanks to the Lord,” for He is good, and His mercy endures forever. Embrace the message of giving thanks today!

Tags

Psalm 92, Thanksgiving, Gratitude, Coptic Orthodox, Scripture Commentary, Bible Study, Praise, Worship, God’s Faithfulness, Righteousness

Meta Description

Unlock the spiritual treasures of Psalm 92 with this verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary. Discover the profound benefits of thanksgiving and the promise of God’s unwavering love.