Psalms 96:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}: for he cometh {H935}, for he cometh {H935} to judge {H8199} the earth {H776}: he shall judge {H8199} the world {H8398} with righteousness {H6664}, and the people {H5971} with his truth {H530}.

Complete Jewish Bible

before ADONAI, because he has come, he has come to judge the earth; he will judge the world rightly and the peoples with his faithfulness.

Berean Standard Bible

before the LORD, for He is coming— He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.

American Standard Version

Before Jehovah; for he cometh, For he cometh to judge the earth: He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with his truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 96:13 culminates a fervent call to worship, shifting the focus to the ultimate reason for universal praise: the Lord's imminent arrival to judge the earth. This verse serves as a profound declaration of God's final, decisive, and just intervention in human history, assuring that absolute justice and divine truth will ultimately prevail across all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 96 stands as a majestic hymn, a "new song" (verse 1) urging all creation to worship Yahweh. It is part of a distinct collection of "Enthronement Psalms" (Psalms 93-99), which collectively celebrate God's universal kingship and reign. The psalm opens with an invitation for all nations to declare God's glory and salvation (verses 1-3), contrasting His incomparable majesty with the impotence of pagan idols (verses 4-6). It then calls for proper reverence and worship in His holy courts (verses 7-9) and proclaims His sovereignty over the nations (verse 10). The preceding verses (11-12) depict a vibrant, almost anthropomorphic, response from the natural world – the heavens, earth, sea, fields, and trees – all rejoicing in anticipation of the Lord's coming. This cosmic celebration directly precedes and sets the stage for the solemn declaration of His judicial advent in verse 13, highlighting that His judgment is not a fearful imposition but the glorious culmination of His righteous rule, eagerly awaited by creation itself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, including Psalm 96, were composed within ancient Israel's worship traditions, often reflecting themes of kingship, covenant, and divine justice pertinent to their understanding of God's interaction with the world. While specific historical events for Psalm 96 are not explicitly stated, its universal scope suggests a context where Israel, having experienced God's judgment and restoration, looked forward to His ultimate vindication and the establishment of His worldwide kingdom. The emphasis on God judging "the nations" (verse 10) and "the world" (verse 13) would have resonated deeply in a polytheistic environment where various gods were worshipped, asserting Yahweh's unique and supreme authority over all other deities and human rulers. The concept of a divine judge was common in the ancient Near East, but the psalm uniquely attributes perfect righteousness and truth to Yahweh's judicial acts, distinguishing Him from fallible human judges or capricious pagan gods.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 96:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Kingship of God**, asserting that Yahweh is not merely Israel's God but the supreme ruler over all creation, whose reign culminates in a definitive act of judgment. This theme is echoed throughout the Enthronement Psalms, such as [Psalms 93](/psalms/93 "Psalm 93 - The Lord Reigns") and [Psalms 99](/psalms/99 "Psalm 99 - The Lord Our God Is Holy"), which declare His eternal dominion. Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, proclaiming that God's judgment is not arbitrary but perfectly aligned with His holy character. This resonates with the prophetic calls for justice found in books like [Amos](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down") and the promises of a righteous king in [Isaiah](/isaiah/11-4 "Isaiah 11:4 - He Shall Judge with Righteousness"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Universal Scope of God's Plan**, extending His authority and judgment to "the earth," "the world," and "the people," signifying that no one is outside His purview. This universal vision of salvation and judgment is a recurring motif, foreshadowing the global reach of the gospel as seen in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). Finally, the repetition of "he cometh" instills a powerful sense of **Divine Certainty and Imminence**, building anticipation for a future, decisive intervention by God to set all things right, a theme central to biblical eschatology.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judge (Hebrew, _shaphat'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁפַט (_shaphat_) is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere condemnation. While it certainly includes the idea of rendering a verdict and punishing the guilty, its primary sense encompasses governing, ruling, vindicating, and setting things right. When God "judges," He is not merely punishing but actively establishing order, restoring justice, and bringing all things into alignment with His perfect will. This includes defending the oppressed and upholding the righteous. Thus, His judgment is a redemptive act that brings about cosmic equilibrium.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** The Hebrew noun צֶדֶק (_tsedeq_) refers to God's inherent moral perfection and His unwavering adherence to His own just standards. It implies integrity, fairness, and a right relationship. God's righteousness is the foundation of His character and His actions; He always acts in accordance with what is morally right and just. His judgment, therefore, is not arbitrary or capricious but perfectly consistent with His holy and upright nature, ensuring that true justice is served.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _emet'_):** The Hebrew word אֱמֶת (_emet_) signifies faithfulness, reliability, and reality. It speaks to God's unwavering fidelity to His promises and His character, as well as the objective reality upon which His judgments are based. God's judgment is grounded in what is genuinely true, factual, and faithful to His revealed word. It implies that all deception will be exposed, and the true state of affairs will be revealed, ensuring that His verdict is based on absolute, unvarnished reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Before the LORD:"** This opening phrase sets the stage, emphasizing the divine presence and authority before which all creation stands. It implies a moment of reckoning or presentation, where the entire world will be brought into the direct, unmediated presence of the Sovereign God. It underscores the solemnity and ultimate authority of the coming event.
* **"for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth:"** The emphatic repetition of "for he cometh" (Hebrew: _ki-ba, ki-ba_) serves as a powerful literary device, underscoring the absolute certainty, urgency, and inevitability of God's arrival. This is not a possibility but a definite, future event. His purpose in coming is explicitly stated: "to judge the earth." This signifies a decisive, universal intervention by God to exercise His judicial authority over all inhabitants and aspects of the world.
* **"he shall judge the world with righteousness,"** This clause specifies the *manner* of God's judgment. His judgment is not arbitrary or based on human biases, but is perfectly aligned with His divine attribute of "righteousness" (_tsedeq_). This means His verdicts will be inherently just, fair, and morally perfect, reflecting His holy character. It assures that all wrongs will be made right and all justice will be perfectly administered.
* **"and the people with his truth."** Complementing the previous clause, this specifies that God will also judge "the people" (humanity) according to His "truth" (_emet_). This implies that His judgment will be based on objective reality, faithfulness to His revealed word, and the exposure of all deception. It ensures that every action, motive, and hidden thing will be brought into the light of His unwavering faithfulness and absolute reality, leaving no room for falsehood or pretense.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 96:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic doubling of "for he cometh, for he cometh." This anaphora creates a sense of urgency, certainty, and inevitability, building anticipation and underscoring the absolute assurance of God's future advent. It acts as a drumbeat, signaling a momentous, unalterable event. **Personification** is subtly present in the broader psalm (verses 11-12), where the natural world is depicted as rejoicing in anticipation of this very judgment, implying that creation itself longs for the restoration of divine order. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the final two clauses: "he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the comprehensive and just nature of God's judgment, linking His righteousness with His truth, and the "world" with "the people," emphasizing the universal scope of His judicial authority. The entire psalm can also be seen as an **Anthem** or **Hymn**, building to this climactic declaration of God's coming judgment as the ultimate reason for universal praise and joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 96:13 articulates a foundational biblical truth: God's ultimate and righteous intervention in human history. This concept of a divine, final judgment is not merely a punitive act but a climactic moment of cosmic restoration, where God's perfect justice and truth are fully established. It serves as both a solemn warning for those who defy God and a profound comfort for the righteous who await vindication. This future reckoning ensures that all injustices will be rectified, all hidden things exposed, and God's sovereign rule fully realized. It is the ultimate assurance that despite present chaos or perceived unfairness, God remains in control and will bring all things to a just and true conclusion.

* [Psalms 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - He will judge the world in righteousness")
* [Isaiah 11:3-4](/isaiah/11-3-4 "Isaiah 11:3-4 - A Righteous Judge")
* [Revelation 20:11-13](/revelation/20-11-13 "Revelation 20:11-13 - The Great White Throne Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The declaration in Psalms 96:13 that the Lord "cometh... to judge the earth" with "righteousness" and "truth" profoundly impacts our understanding of God and our walk of faith. For the believer, this is a source of immense comfort and hope. It assures us that despite the pervasive injustice, deception, and suffering in the world, there is a sovereign God who sees all, knows all, and will ultimately set all things right. This truth should ignite within us a longing for His return, a trust in His perfect timing, and a deep peace knowing that our ultimate vindication rests in His hands. Conversely, this verse also serves as a powerful call to introspection and integrity. If God will judge the world with righteousness and truth, then those who bear His name are called to embody these very attributes in their daily lives. We are to pursue justice, speak truth, and live with integrity, reflecting the character of the God we serve. This anticipation of His coming judgment should motivate us to live purposefully, to champion righteousness, and to share the good news of His kingdom, preparing ourselves and others for His glorious advent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's coming judgment impact your view of current injustices in the world?**
* **In what ways can you, as a believer, embody God's righteousness and truth in your daily interactions and decisions?**
* **Does the anticipation of God's judgment inspire fear, hope, or both in your heart, and why?**
* **How does the universal scope of God's judgment (earth, world, people) inform your understanding of evangelism and missions?**

### FAQ
**What does "he cometh, for he cometh" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "for he cometh" (Hebrew: _ki-ba, ki-ba_) is an emphatic literary device used to underscore the absolute certainty, inevitability, and urgency of God's arrival. It's not merely a possibility or a distant hope, but a definite, unalterable future event. This repetition builds anticipation and highlights the profound significance of His advent as the universal Judge, signaling that His intervention is both assured and imminent.

**Is this judgment a negative or positive event?**

Answer: God's judgment, as described in Psalms 96:13, is multifaceted and carries both positive and solemn implications. For the unrighteous and those who have perpetuated injustice, it is indeed a solemn and fearful event, as all deception will be exposed, and accountability will be rendered. However, for the righteous, for those who have suffered injustice, and for creation itself, it is a profoundly positive and redemptive event. God's judgment is characterized by "righteousness" and "truth," meaning it is perfectly just, fair, and brings about the ultimate vindication of the oppressed and the establishment of true order. It is the moment when all wrongs are made right, and God's perfect will is fully realized, leading to universal rejoicing as described in the preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 96:11-12](/psalms/96-11 "Psalm 96:11-12 - Let the Heavens Rejoice")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 96:13 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's declaration of the Lord's coming to judge the earth with righteousness and truth is perfectly embodied in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as the appointed Judge of all humanity. While the Old Testament anticipates a divine judge, the New Testament clarifies that this authority has been fully entrusted to the Son. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son") states that the Father "judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son," and [John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Authority to Execute Judgment") adds that He has been given "authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man." This coming is not merely a future event but has already begun in principle through His first advent, where He exposed sin and revealed truth ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Light Has Come into the World")). However, the full, cosmic judgment anticipated in Psalms 96:13 awaits His glorious second coming, when He will return "on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man")). On that day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")), and He will judge "the living and the dead" ([2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Judge the Living and the Dead"]) with perfect righteousness and truth, bringing about the final establishment of God's kingdom where justice reigns supreme.

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

Revelation 19:11

¶ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

Isaiah 25:9

¶ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Psalms 96:10

¶ 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.

Titus 2:13

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

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.