Rabbi Roodyn

Rav Hirsch interprets this chapter in the context of the previous ones. Chapters 92 and 93 give voice to those thoughts that well up within our hearts each Shabbos day and which show us a glimpse beyond the dreary present into the future into  the ear of the advent of G-d’s kingdom on earth. Chapter 94 begins with a cry of terror arising from Yisrael’s sufferings in exile. It then went on to say that Yisrael had no cause for alarm or despondency because violence and wrong cannot endure in G-d’s world order.

Our chapter, Psalm 95 diverts us from all these sad thoughts of our outward suffering by portraying our exile to us as a second journey through the wilderness to which we ourselves can put an end at any time through our good conduct. This chapter appeals to us to complete this pilgrimage through the ages with gladness and thereby to pave the way for the universal worship of G-d on earth.

לכו ‘Go forth’ we are told, cease dwelling upon sad thoughts. Let us rejoice and let us give loud voice to this our joy (this is the literal meaning of רנן). Let us stir up homage to Him Who is the rock of our straight unbowed existence (this is the literal meaning of ישע) in the midst of our affliction. Let us imbue our spirits with the awareness of the glorious character of our mission which no blow of fate can dim and let us come before Him not with lamentation but with thanksgiving. We pay respect to Him not with sad sounds of dejection but rather בזמירות נריע לו  by the singing of songs.