Psalms 96
Psalm 96 encourages us to praise God with a new song, beginning with a call for the whole world to proclaim God’s greatness and the news of salvation. The psalm emphasizes God as Creator and the righteous Judge, and it shows a universal act of worship in which not only the people of Israel but all nations praise the LORD God.
1verseSing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2verseSing to the LORD! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day!
3verseDeclare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
4verseFor the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods.
5verseFor all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
6verseHonor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7verseAscribe to the LORD, you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8verseAscribe to the LORD the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9verseWorship the LORD in holy array. Tremble before him, all the earth.
10verseSay among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” The world is also established. It can’t be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.
11verseLet the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness!
12verseLet the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy
13versebefore the LORD; for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with his truth.
Structure and Flow
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Verses 1-3 | Encouragement to praise God with a new song and to proclaim His salvation to the whole world |
| Verses 4-6 | A contrast between God’s majesty and idols, proclaiming God who is over all things |
| Verses 7-9 | A request for all peoples to recognize the glory of the LORD and worship in awe |
| Verses 10-13 | The Lord’s righteous reign and judgment, and the joy and praise of all creation |
Core Message
Psalm 96 emphasizes that the act of worshiping God is not limited to a particular nation; it is a universal form of worship in which the whole earth and all peoples participate, and even natural creation joins in. Through this, it proclaims that God is the Creator and a ruler who governs with justice, and it indicates that the good news of God’s salvation must be delivered to everyone.
Points for Reflection
- Reflect again on the fact that worship is a broad kind of activity revealed in daily life, throughout all humanity, and within nature and all things created.
- Consider how you can proclaim God’s salvation in the environment and community where you are placed.
- Reflect on what meaning God’s righteous reign and rule have for your life today.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Think back to when, in your life today, you praised God with a new song.
- In the place where you are, even by small actions, look for ways to lift up God’s name and to share His love and salvation.
- Apply God’s balanced rule of justice and love to your life, and resolve to live a day that practices righteousness and goodness.
