Unknown
Psalm 96
Scripture (KJV)
1O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
2Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
8Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
10Say 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.
11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13Before 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.
Summary
Psalm 96 is a missionary hymn calling all the earth to sing a new song to the LORD. It opens with a triple imperative: sing to the LORD a new song, sing to the LORD all the earth, and bless His name, showing forth His salvation from day to day. The nations are to declare His glory among the heathen and His wonders among all peoples, for the LORD is great and greatly to be praised, to be feared above all gods. The gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
The kindreds of the people are to give the LORD glory and strength, bring an offering, and come into His courts, worshipping Him in the beauty of holiness. The psalm then becomes a proclamation: "Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth." The world is established and cannot be moved; He will judge the people righteously. The closing verses summon all creation to join the praise: the heavens, the earth, the sea, the fields, and the trees of the wood shall rejoice before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth with righteousness and truth.
The major themes are universal worship, God’s reign, creation’s praise, the beauty of holiness, and righteous judgment. Practically, the psalm teaches that worship is not private but global, and that all creation is invited to rejoice before the coming Judge. The great lesson is: say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 96
LORD, I sing to You a new song; I sing to You, all the earth! I bless Your name and show forth Your salvation from day to day. I declare Your glory among the nations and Your wonders among all peoples, for You are great and greatly to be praised, to be feared above all gods. The gods of the nations are idols, but You made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before You; strength and beauty are in Your sanctuary. I give You glory and strength; I bring an offering and come into Your courts. I worship You in the beauty of holiness; I fear before You, all the earth. I say among the nations: the LORD reigns! The world is established and cannot be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, the earth be glad, the sea roar, the fields be joyful, and the trees of the wood rejoice before You. You come to judge the earth with righteousness and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What does it mean to sing a "new song" to the LORD?
- 2How can I declare God’s glory among the nations in my daily life?
- 3What is the "beauty of holiness" in which we are to worship?
- 4How does all creation—sea, fields, trees—join in praising God?
Related Psalms
Psalm 95
“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”
A call to worship and a warning not to harden the heart at Massah.
Read morePsalm 97
“The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.”
The Lord reigns in righteousness; His light dawns for the upright.
Read morePsalm 98
“O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.”
A new song for God’s victory; all creation joins the praise.
Read morePsalm 99
“The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.”
The holy King calls His people to justice and worship at His footstool.
Read morePsalm 100
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.”
A universal call to joyful worship; the Lord is good, His mercy everlasting.
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