Psalms 96:10

ΒΆ 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.

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 96:10 is a powerful declaration of God's universal sovereignty, His righteous governance, and the stability His rule brings to the world. It serves as a call to proclaim this truth to all nations, emphasizing that the God of Israel is the true King over all creation.

Context

This verse is part of a series of "enthronement psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-99) which celebrate the Lord's kingship. These psalms often express themes of God's majesty, His creation, and His future reign over all the earth. Psalms 96 specifically calls for a new song to the Lord, inviting all creation and all peoples to worship Him. The command to "Say among the heathen" (or nations) highlights a missionary impulse, urging the people of God to extend this message beyond their own borders, contrasting God's living rule with the lifeless idols of pagan cultures.

Key Themes

  • The Universal Reign of God: The central message is that "the LORD reigneth" over all the earth, not just over Israel. This is a foundational truth that challenges any competing claims of sovereignty. It is a declaration for all peoples, underscoring God's authority over every nation and individual.
  • Divine Order and Stability: The phrase "the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved" speaks to the enduring and unshakable nature of God's creation and His providential care. Amidst human turmoil and natural upheavals, God's ultimate control ensures the world's foundational stability and purposeful existence.
  • Righteous Judgment: The promise that "he shall judge the people righteously" assures that God's 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. This theme is echoed in Psalms 98:9, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate, impartial judge.
  • Global Proclamation: The imperative "Say among the heathen" is a powerful call to evangelism and global mission. It charges believers to declare God's kingship and His attributes to those who do not yet know Him, anticipating a future time when all nations will acknowledge His rule. This resonates with the Great Commission given by Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The name "LORD" in KJV, written in all capitals, represents the Hebrew personal name of God, Yahweh (Χ™Χ”Χ•Χ” - YHWH), emphasizing His covenant faithfulness and self-existent nature. The word for "reigneth" (Hebrew: malakh) signifies an active, present, and ongoing kingship. The term "righteously" comes from the Hebrew word tsedeq, which conveys perfect justice, righteousness, and conformity to divine standards, implying impartiality and truthfulness in judgment.

Practical Application

Psalms 96:10 offers profound comfort and a clear mandate for believers today. It encourages us to boldly proclaim God's sovereignty in a world often marked by fear and uncertainty, reminding us that He is ultimately in control and that His purposes will prevail. It calls us to live righteously, knowing that we are accountable to a just God. Furthermore, it inspires us to participate in the global mission of sharing the good news of God's reign with all peoples, looking forward to the day when the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 93:1

    ΒΆ 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

    ΒΆ 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.