Psalms96

Psalms 96 is a universal call to worship and praise the LORD, urging all the earth to sing a new song and declare His glory among the nations. It emphasizes His greatness above all idols, His role as Creator, and His coming reign and righteous judgment over the world. The psalm concludes with an invitation for all creation to rejoice in anticipation of His arrival.
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A Call to Universal Praise and Mission

1
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. ​
2
Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
3
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. ​

The Supremacy of Yahweh over Idols

4
For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. ​
5
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. ​
6
Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Worship and Acknowledge God's Glory

7
Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
8
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9
O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. ​

The Lord Reigns and Comes to Judge

10
Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. ​
11
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13
Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 96

Verse 1

The phrase 'new song' often signifies praise offered for a fresh act of salvation or creation. The command for 'all the earth' immediately establishes the psalm’s universal and missionary scope.

Verse 3

This verse provides a clear evangelistic mandate, instructing Israel not merely to worship privately but to actively share God’s power and acts of deliverance among the surrounding nations (the *goyim*).

Verse 4

To be 'feared above all gods' (*elohim*) asserts Yahweh's incomparable power. While other nations acknowledge their deities, this psalm demands recognition of the unique greatness of the Creator God.

Verse 5

The core distinction is drawn between the non-existent idols of the nations (*elilim*, meaning ‘vanities’) and Yahweh, who provides proof of His reality by being the Creator of the heavens.

Verse 9

To worship in the 'beauty of holiness' (or 'splendor of holiness') implies reverence that corresponds to the majestic and moral purity of God, particularly as revealed in His sanctuary.

Verse 10

The declaration 'The LORD reigneth' is central to the Enthronement Psalms (Pss 93, 97, 99). It signifies God’s active, sovereign rule, which establishes cosmic order and stability in the world.

Verse 13

The repetition of 'for he cometh' emphasizes the certainty of the divine advent. This judgment is understood not as mere condemnation but as the righteous establishment of justice and truth throughout the earth.

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