Psalms 100:3

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalms 100:3 (KJV)

Context

This verse stands inside a psalm of thanksgiving. The psalm calls worshippers to enter God’s presence with joy and praise. Here the reason for such gladness is made clear: the LORD alone is God, and he made us. The surrounding verses invite all the earth to serve him, so this declaration forms the foundation for the whole psalm’s worship.

Meaning

The opening word “know” means more than knowing facts. It calls for a deep, personal recognition that the LORD is God. He alone holds sovereign power and authority. The next phrase, “it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves,” guards against pride and self-sufficiency. Our existence is not accidental or self-made; God purposefully created us. This truth establishes our complete dependence on him.

Biblical connections

The verse then describes our relationship to God with two images. As “his people,” we belong to him and live under his care. As “the sheep of his pasture,” we depend on him for guidance, provision, and protection, just as a flock depends on its shepherd. This shepherd imagery appears throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 23, where the LORD leads and cares for his own. Both images together show intimacy and trust.

Application

Because God made us and claims us, we can find our identity and worth in him, not in ourselves. We are called to live as his people, following his commands and purposes. When we feel lost or uncertain, we can remember that we are sheep under the care of a faithful Shepherd who knows us and provides for us.

Reflection

This verse invites us to respond with humble gratitude. Knowing that we belong to God changes how we see ourselves and how we worship. We can rest in the truth that our lives are held by the Creator who is also our Shepherd.