Psalms Chapter 96 — A Song of Praise for All Nations
Psalm 96 is a joyful call for all people and all of creation to praise God for His greatness, holiness, and righteous judgment.
1Sing to the LORD a new song!
2Sing to the LORD!
3Declare his glory among the nations,
4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised!
5For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
6Honor and majesty are before him.
7Ascribe to the LORD, you families of nations,
8Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name.
9Worship the LORD in holy array.
10Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice.
12Let the field and all that is in it exult!
13before the LORD; for he comes,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalms 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.”
This verse emphasizes the global scope of God's renown and the duty to share His deeds with all people.
Psalms 96:5
“For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.”
It draws a sharp distinction between human-made idols and the one true God who is the Creator of the universe.
Psalms 96:9
“Worship the LORD in holy array. Tremble before him, all the earth.”
This verse highlights the reverence and holiness required when approaching God in worship.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 96 is a corporate hymn of praise that calls upon all nations and the entire natural world to celebrate the sovereignty of the Lord. The chapter begins with an invitation to sing a new song and declare God's glory among the nations, emphasizing that while other gods are merely idols, the Lord is the Creator of the heavens. It instructs the families of nations to bring offerings and worship God in "holy array." The text asserts that "The Lord reigns," a message intended to be shared globally. The latter part of the psalm shifts to a cosmic perspective, calling on the heavens, earth, sea, and fields to rejoice before the Lord. The psalm concludes by anticipating the Lord's coming to judge the world with righteousness and truth, establishing His fair and just rule over all peoples. The text serves as both a celebration of God's present majesty and a hopeful look toward His future judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main message is a call for universal worship of the Lord, who is greater than all idols. It encourages all nations to recognize His majesty and prepares them for His righteous and equitable judgment.
Singing a new song refers to a fresh expression of praise in response to God's ongoing work and salvation. It signifies a heart that is actively engaged in worshiping God for His daily mercies and eternal greatness.
The psalm portrays nature as an active participant in worshiping God. It calls on the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the fields to rejoice and exult before the Lord as He comes to rule.
Study Note
Psalm 96 is categorized as a 'Kingship Psalm,' which traditionally focuses on celebrating the Lord as the true King over all the earth and its inhabitants.
Related Chapters
1 Chronicles 16
This chapter contains a song of thanks given by David that closely mirrors the themes and language of Psalm 96.
Psalm 98
Another 'new song' psalm that similarly celebrates God's salvation and His coming judgment of the world.
Revelation 14
This New Testament chapter reflects the theme of declaring God's glory to every nation, tribe, and tongue.
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