Psalms96
New Living Translation
1 Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
2 Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
4 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods.
5 The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens!
6 Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.
7 O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
8 Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him.
10 Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!” The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly.
11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
12 Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the Lord, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.
Study
Psalms 96Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 96. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: A call to all people to praise God. (1–9). God's government and judgment. (10–13).
vv1-9
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All the earth is here summoned to worship the Lord. We must worship him in the beauty of holiness, as God in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself. Glorious things are said of him, both as motives to praise and matter of praise.
vv10-13
We are to hope and pray for that time, when Christ shall reign in righteousness over all nations. He shall rule in the hearts of men, by the power of truth, and the Spirit of righteousness. His coming draws nigh; this King, this Judge standeth before the door, but he is not yet come. The Lord will accept the praises of all who seek to promote the kingdom of Christ. The sea can but roar, and how the trees of the wood can show that they rejoice we know not; but He that searches the heart knows what is the mind of the Spirit, and understands the words, the broken language of the weakest. Christ will come to judge the earth, to execute just vengeance on his enemies, and to fulfil his largest promises to his people. What then are we? Would that day be welcome to us? If this be not our case, let us now begin to prepare to meet our God, by seeking the pardon of our sins, and the renewal of our souls to holiness.
Key Words
שִׁיר: to sing
חָדָשׁ: new
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֶרֶץ: the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
בָרַךְ: to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason)
שֵׁם: an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בָּשַׂר: properly, to be fresh, i.e. full (rosy, (figuratively) cheerful); to announce (glad news)
יְשׁוּעָה: something saved, i.e. (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
מִן: properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Cross References
Psalms 96The historical parallel and original context of this psalm when the ark was brought to Zion.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Paul cites the call for Gentiles to praise God together as fulfillment of Old Testament hope.
Supported by John Calvin
Confirms that the idols and gods of the nations are actually nothing in the world.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Prophetic call for a new song celebrating God's global restoration and redemption.
Supported by John Calvin
Prophesies that pure offerings will be brought to God's name among the Gentiles worldwide.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Identical summons to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
Supported by JFB
The established, unshakeable kingdom of God that will stand forever.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallels the joyful expectation of the Lord coming to judge the earth with righteousness.
Supported by JFB