Psalms 96:1-13

1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

10 Say 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.

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulnessa thereof.

12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

13 Before 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.

XCVI. The Praise of Yahweh in Israel, among the Nations, in all Creation. This Ps. is inserted with considerable variations, in 1 Chronicles 16:23, probably by a later hand, and not by the Chronicler himself. It is largely compiled from other sources, notably from 2 Is.

Psalms 96:1. a new song: a song evoked by some new and startling event. The phrase occurs in Isaiah 42:10, where it is much more in place.

Psalms 96:5. Read mg. but the meaning of Heb. is doubtful.

Psalms 96:6. sanctuary: i.e. the heavens. 1 Ch. has place.

Psalms 96:9. Translate in holy array (mg.) ; but on the holy mountains, i.e. on the heights of Zion, is a plausible emendation.

Psalms 96:13 expresses the Messianic hope in a general form. But here, as in Malachi 4:6, there is no thought of any personal Messiah. Yahweh Himself is the deliverer.

Continues after advertising