Psalms 96:5

For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

For all the gods {H430} of the nations {H5971} are idols {H457}: but the LORD {H3068} made {H6213} the heavens {H8064}.

For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but ADONAI made the heavens.

For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

For all the gods of the peoples are idols; But Jehovah made the heavens.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 96 is a vibrant call to worship the LORD, urging all the earth to sing a new song of praise and declare His glory among the nations. It anticipates the universal recognition of God's sovereignty and His righteous reign over creation. Verse 5 serves as a foundational reason for this universal worship, establishing the unparalleled nature of the God of Israel against the backdrop of ancient polytheistic societies, where many gods were worshipped.

Key Themes

  • Divine Supremacy and Uniqueness: The verse starkly contrasts the "gods of the nations"—the numerous deities worshipped by surrounding cultures—with the one true God, Yahweh. It asserts that these other gods are mere "idols," implying worthlessness and non-existence, setting apart the God of Israel as the only one worthy of worship.
  • God as the Creator: The latter half, "but the LORD made the heavens," provides the ultimate basis for His supremacy. Unlike man-made idols or mythological deities, Yahweh's power is demonstrated through His act of creation, particularly the vast and intricate cosmos. This truth underscores His authority and sole claim to worship, as seen in Genesis 1:1 and Isaiah 40:28.
  • The Folly of Idolatry: By declaring foreign gods as "idols," the psalm exposes the emptiness of pagan worship. These are not just rival deities, but non-entities, unable to create, sustain, or save, a theme also explored in Isaiah 44:9-20 and 1 Corinthians 8:4.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated "idols" is אֱלִילִים ('elilim), which literally means "nothingness," "worthlessness," or "vanity." This emphasizes that pagan gods have no real power or existence. "The LORD" is a translation of the divine name YHWH (Yahweh), signifying the covenant-keeping, self-existent God of Israel, highlighting His personal and unique identity.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to a singular devotion to the one true God. In a world filled with competing ideologies, pursuits, and false promises, it reminds us to discern what truly holds ultimate value and power. Modern "idols" might not be carved statues, but anything that takes the place of God in our lives: wealth, status, pleasure, power, or even self-reliance. Recognizing God as the Creator of the heavens fosters awe, humility, and trust. It assures us that the one who made everything is sovereign and worthy of all praise and worship, establishing a foundation for true worship.

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

Cross-References

  • Psalms 115:15 (9 votes)

    Ye [are] blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.

  • Isaiah 42:5 (7 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

  • 1 Corinthians 8:4 (3 votes)

    ¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

  • Psalms 135:18 (3 votes)

    They that make them are like unto them: [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

  • Jeremiah 10:11 (3 votes)

    Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, [even] they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.

  • Jeremiah 10:12 (3 votes)

    He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

  • Psalms 135:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ The idols of the heathen [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.