Psalms 96:10

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Say {H559} among the heathen {H1471} that the LORD {H3068} reigneth {H4427}: the world {H8398} also shall be established {H3559} that it shall not be moved {H4131}: he shall judge {H1777} the people {H5971} righteously {H4339}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Say among the nations, "ADONAI is king!"The world is firmly established, immovable. He will judge the peoples fairly.

Berean Standard Bible

Declare among the nations: “The LORD reigns!” The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.

American Standard Version

Say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth: The world also is established that it cannot be moved: He will judge the peoples with equity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 96:10 issues a powerful, universal mandate for God's people to proclaim His sovereign reign among all nations. It declares that the LORD's active kingship not only establishes and sustains the world in an unshakeable order but also ensures that He will judge all peoples with perfect righteousness. This verse encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's supreme authority, His providential care over creation, and His unwavering justice, while simultaneously serving as a global call to evangelism and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 96 is a vibrant and integral part of the "enthronement psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-99), a distinct collection characterized by their fervent celebration of Yahweh's kingship, often heralded by the declaration, "The LORD reigns!" This particular psalm opens with an urgent call for a "new song" to the Lord, inviting not only the people of Israel but also all the earth, the heavens, the fields, the trees, and the sea to join in worship. This expansive, cosmic invitation, moving from a call to worship (vv. 1-6) to a universal summons for praise (vv. 7-9), meticulously sets the stage for the climactic, universal proclamation found in verse 10. The verse serves as the theological linchpin, articulating the core message that is to be declared globally, positioning it within a broader narrative arc that anticipates a worldwide acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and His imminent, righteous judgment (vv. 10-13).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imperative to "Say among the heathen" (or nations) was a radical and profoundly counter-cultural assertion within the ancient Near Eastern context. In a polytheistic landscape, where each nation typically worshipped its own pantheon of gods believed to hold sway only within specific geographical or ethnic boundaries, the psalmist's declaration that "the LORD reigneth" over *all* the world was a direct challenge to the prevailing worldview. This was not merely an internal theological affirmation for Israel; it was a bold statement emphasizing that Yahweh is the one true, living God, standing in stark contrast to the lifeless idols of pagan cultures, which are explicitly denounced in [Psalms 96:5](/psalms/96-5 "Psalms 96:5 - The Lord Made the Heavens"). The call to proclaim this truth to the "heathen" highlights an early, often overlooked, missionary impulse embedded within Old Testament theology, foreshadowing a future era when all nations would ultimately come to recognize and worship the one true King.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 96:10 encapsulates several profound theological themes that resonate throughout the entire biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically champions the **Universal Reign of God**, declaring unequivocally that [the Lord reigns](/psalms/93-1 "Psalms 93:1 - The Lord Reigns") not merely over Israel, but over all creation, thereby challenging any competing claims to sovereignty. This foundational truth provides the bedrock for the world's **Divine Order and Stability**, asserting that the created order is not chaotic or random but is firmly established and sustained by God's providential care, ensuring its enduring and unshakable nature despite human turmoil. Thirdly, the verse highlights God's **Righteous Judgment**, assuring that His reign is characterized by perfect justice and moral integrity. This divine judgment is not arbitrary but is based on His unchanging character, ensuring fairness and accountability for all, a theme powerfully echoed in [Psalms 98:9](/psalms/98-9 "Psalms 98:9 - God Judges the World with Righteousness"). Finally, the imperative "Say among the heathen" serves as a powerful call to **Global Proclamation**, charging believers to declare God's kingship and His attributes to those who do not yet know Him, anticipating a future when all nations will acknowledge His rule, a mandate that finds its ultimate expression in [the Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471), often translated as "nations" or "Gentiles," refers to foreign peoples or non-Israelites. Its usage here signifies a universal scope for the divine proclamation, extending beyond the covenant people of Israel to all the diverse peoples of the earth, emphasizing God's sovereignty over every tribe and tongue.
* **reigneth (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** The verb (H4427) signifies an active, present, and ongoing kingship. It is not merely a historical fact or a future hope, but a current reality: God is an actively ruling monarch, exercising His sovereign power and authority over all creation. The participle form implies a continuous state of reigning, underscoring the enduring nature of His dominion.
* **righteously (Hebrew, _mêyshâr'_):** This word (H4339) denotes evenness, straightness, and figuratively, rectitude or equity. When God judges "righteously," it means His decisions are characterized by perfect impartiality, integrity, and truthfulness, ensuring that His judgments are always just, fair, and in alignment with His holy character, thereby establishing ultimate moral order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Say among the heathen":** This is a direct, imperative command, a summons to God's people. "Heathen" (גּוֹיִם, _goyim_) refers to the nations, the Gentiles—all peoples outside of Israel. This phrase establishes a universal, missionary mandate, transcending the traditional boundaries of Israel's covenant relationship and calling for a global proclamation of God's truth to all humanity.
* **"[that] the LORD reigneth":** This is the foundational message to be proclaimed. It is a core theological declaration of God's active, present, and universal kingship. It asserts His supreme authority over all creation, all peoples, and all circumstances, directly challenging any competing claims to sovereignty from human rulers or false gods. It underscores Yahweh's unique identity as the one true God.
* **"the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved":** This clause speaks to the stability and order that God's reign brings to the cosmos. "Established" (כּוּן, _kûwn_) implies firmness, security, and permanence, signifying that the created order is divinely upheld. "Not be moved" emphasizes the unshakable nature of God's providential control over His creation. It signifies a divinely ordained stability that transcends temporal chaos, assuring a purposeful and enduring existence for the world under His sovereign hand.
* **"he shall judge the people righteously":** This final clause highlights God's role as the ultimate, impartial judge of all humanity. His judgment is characterized by "righteousness" (_mêyshâr_), meaning it is perfectly just, fair, and in accordance with His holy character. This truth provides both comfort for the oppressed (that justice will ultimately prevail) and a warning for the unrighteous (that accountability is certain), underscoring the moral order inherent in God's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 96:10 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful and universal message. The opening phrase, "**Say among the heathen**," employs a direct **Imperative**, serving as a forceful command that underscores the urgency and universality of the proclamation. This is immediately followed by a profound **Declaration**: "**the LORD reigneth**," a foundational theological statement presented as an undeniable, present truth. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, particularly in the implied connection between God's reign establishing the world and His subsequent righteous judgment of its inhabitants; His sovereign rule brings both cosmic order and moral accountability. The phrase "**the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved**" employs both **Hyperbole** and **Metaphor**. While the physical earth can indeed be shaken by natural phenomena, the hyperbole emphasizes the absolute and ultimate stability that stems from God's sovereign control, metaphorically portraying His reign as the unshakeable foundation of existence. Finally, the entire verse is imbued with powerful **Kingship Imagery**, presenting God as the active, reigning monarch and supreme judge, whose authority is absolute and whose justice is perfect.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 96:10 stands as a foundational declaration of God's comprehensive sovereignty, linking His creative power with His ongoing governance and ultimate justice. It asserts that the same God who brought the cosmos into being is actively sustaining it and will ultimately bring all of humanity to account under His righteous standard. This truth provides immense comfort in a chaotic world, assuring believers that despite appearances, a divine order prevails, and God's purposes will ultimately be fulfilled. Furthermore, the imperative to "Say among the heathen" establishes a clear theological precedent for missional outreach, demonstrating that God's plan of salvation and His desire for worship extend far beyond the boundaries of a single nation, anticipating a global ingathering of praise and submission to His reign.

* [Psalms 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "Psalms 93:1 - The Lord Reigns, He Is Clothed with Majesty")
* [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Look to Me and Be Saved, All You Ends of the Earth")
* [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ, the Faithful and True Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 96:10 offers profound comfort and a clear mandate for believers in every age. In a world often marked by political instability, social unrest, and existential uncertainty, the declaration that "the LORD reigneth" serves as an anchor for the soul, reminding us that ultimate control rests not with human powers or chaotic forces, but with the sovereign God who establishes and sustains all things. This truth calls us to live with confident hope, knowing that His purposes will ultimately prevail and that His kingdom is unshakable. Furthermore, the command to "Say among the heathen" is a timeless call to mission and evangelism. It compels us to boldly proclaim the good news of God's kingship and His righteous character to those who do not yet know Him, both near and far. This means living lives that reflect His righteousness, speaking truth into darkness, and actively participating in the global spread of His gospel, looking forward to the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess His supreme reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration of God's reign impact your sense of security and peace in an uncertain world?**
* **In what practical ways can you "say among the heathen" that the LORD reigns within your sphere of influence, whether through words or actions?**
* **How does the truth of God's righteous judgment shape your understanding of justice, accountability, and your own walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved" mean in a world facing natural disasters, wars, and constant change?**

Answer: This phrase does not imply that the physical earth is immune to geological shifts or human-induced destruction, nor does it guarantee an absence of chaos in human affairs. Instead, it speaks to a deeper, theological stability rooted in God's sovereign control and providential care. It means that despite all apparent instability, the world's ultimate existence, purpose, and destiny are firmly established by God and cannot be thwarted or undone by any force. His foundational decree and sustaining power ensure that creation will endure according to His will, ultimately serving His redemptive purposes. This stability is spiritual and teleological, assuring that God's design for creation and humanity will not fail, and His kingdom will ultimately be [an unshakable kingdom](/hebrews/12-27 "Hebrews 12:27 - The Shaking of What Can Be Shaken"). It provides assurance that God's design for creation and humanity will not fail, and His righteous order will ultimately prevail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 96:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The declaration that "the LORD reigneth" culminates in the New Testament's proclamation that [Jesus is Lord](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Tongue Confess Jesus Christ is Lord"). He is the one to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"), establishing His present reign over all creation. The promise that "the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved" is realized in Christ, for [by Him all things were created and in Him all things hold together](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, the Creator and Sustainer of All Things"). He is the cosmic glue, the very foundation of the universe, ensuring its ultimate stability and purpose under God's sovereign plan. Furthermore, the psalm's assertion that "he shall judge the people righteously" is fulfilled in Christ, for [the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son"). Finally, the imperative to "Say among the heathen" is the very essence of the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), where Christ commands His followers to go into all the world and make disciples, proclaiming His reigning Lordship and the good news of His kingdom to every nation, tribe, people, and tongue, thus bringing the universal scope of Psalms 96:10 to its glorious realization.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 93:1

¶ The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, [wherewith] he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

Psalms 67:4

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

Psalms 9:8

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

Psalms 98:9

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Psalms 99:1

¶ The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth [between] the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Malachi 1:11

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.