Psalms 96:6

Psalms 96:6 (KJV) declares the magnificent attributes of God and their manifestation in His sacred presence. This verse is a powerful declaration of God's inherent glory and the awe-inspiring nature of His dwelling place.

Context of Psalms 96:6

Psalm 96 is a vibrant call to worship the Lord, urging all the earth to sing praises to Him and declare His salvation among the nations. It is part of a series of "enthronement psalms" (Psalms 93-99) that celebrate God's universal reign and His coming to judge the earth in righteousness. Verse 6 specifically focuses on the divine qualities that are always present before God and within His sanctuary, inviting worshippers to contemplate His supreme nature.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Attributes: The verse highlights four core attributes of God: honour, majesty, strength, and beauty. These are not merely external decorations but inherent aspects of His being. They paint a picture of a God who is both supremely powerful and perfectly glorious.
• God's Presence and Sanctuary: These divine qualities are described as being "before him" and "in his sanctuary." The "sanctuary" can refer to the earthly tabernacle or temple, where God's presence was uniquely manifest among His people, or to His heavenly dwelling place. Regardless, it signifies a space permeated by His holiness and glory. Understanding God's dwelling place helps us appreciate the reverence due to Him.
• Call to Worship: The presence of such magnificent attributes demands reverence and worship. The psalm as a whole encourages a joyful, universal acknowledgment of God's supreme power and radiant glory, contrasting Him with the idols of the nations.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew words for "honour" (הוֹד - hod) and "majesty" (הָדָר - hadar) are often paired and denote splendor, glory, and royal dignity. They speak to God's inherent greatness and the awe He inspires.
• "Strength" (עֹז - oz) signifies might, power, and security, emphasizing God's omnipotence and His ability to protect and sustain.
• "Beauty" (תִּפְאֶרֶת - tif'eret) conveys glory, splendor, and adornment. This isn't just aesthetic beauty but a radiant perfection that reflects God's character. It's the kind of splendor that evokes praise and admiration. These attributes are also echoed in other passages describing the Lord's glorious presence.

Related Scriptures

• 1 Chronicles 16:27 offers a nearly identical phrase: "Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place." This highlights a consistent understanding of God's attributes in His dwelling.
• Psalm 27:4 expresses a desire to "behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple," underscoring the captivating and desirable nature of God's glory.
• Psalm 29:4 describes "The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty," further illustrating God's strength and glory.

Practical Application

Psalms 96:6 calls believers to acknowledge God's inherent glory and strength in their worship and daily lives. Recognizing that "honour and majesty" are always before Him, and "strength and beauty" are found in His sanctuary, should fill us with awe and reverence. It encourages us to seek His presence, knowing that in His presence there is fullness of joy and attributes that transform us. Our worship should reflect the greatness of the God we serve, inspiring us to live lives that honor His name and declare His glory to the world, just as the psalm encourages all nations to do.