The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 96
In brief
Psalm 96 is a call to praise addressed to the whole earth. It begins with a threefold sing: a new song, the name of God blessed, salvation announced day after day. It gives the reasons: the LORD is great, the gods of the peoples are idols, he alone made the heavens. It invites the peoples to give him glory. Verses 10 to 13 proclaim that the LORD reigns and that he comes to judge the world with righteousness and faithfulness. Christians see in it the announcement of Christ.
The chapter in 4 parts
1Sing to Yahweh a new song! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.
2Sing to Yahweh! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day!
3Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
4For Yahweh is great, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens.
6Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
8Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9Worship Yahweh in holy array. Tremble before him, all the earth.
10Say among the nations, “Yahweh reigns.” The world is also established. It can’t be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.
11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness!
12Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy
13before Yahweh; for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with his truth.
Key verses
Sing to Yahweh a new song! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.
The new song expresses living praise, born of a renewed experience of God. The call is addressed to the whole earth, not to Israel alone.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
God's glory is made to be told to the nations. Praise and proclamation go hand in hand: we sing what we want others to know.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens.
The gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. This verse contrasts what people manufacture with the one who is the Creator.
before Yahweh; for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with his truth.
The psalm ends with God coming to judge with righteousness and faithfulness. For Christians this is a hope: the world will be set right.
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What the sermons say
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 96
What does Psalm 96 mean?
Psalm 96 calls the whole earth to sing the glory of the LORD, the only true God, in the face of idols. It invites us to tell his wonders to the nations and announces that he reigns and comes to judge the world with righteousness. It is a psalm of missionary praise.
Who wrote Psalm 96?
This psalm has no title in the Hebrew text. In 1 Chronicles 16:23-33, almost the same words appear in the song David has sung when the ark enters Jerusalem. Many therefore credit it to David, while others think of an unknown author who takes up that song.
How can I pray with Psalm 96?
Sing it or read it aloud, following its stages. In verses 1 to 3, give thanks for a concrete salvation received today. In verses 4 to 9, speak of God's greatness and bow down. Finish with verses 10 to 13 by entrusting the world to his reign and his justice.
Articles quoting Psalm 96
World English Bible translation — public domain.