Psalms 96

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 96

1¶ O 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.

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.

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.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalms 96 is a universal call to worship and praise the LORD, urging all the earth to sing a new song and declare His glory among the nations. It emphasizes His greatness above all idols, His role as Creator, and His coming reign and righteous judgment over the world. The psalm concludes with an invitation for all creation to rejoice in anticipation of His arrival.

Medium Summary

This psalm begins with an exhortation for all the earth to sing a new song to the LORD, blessing His name and proclaiming His salvation daily. It commands the declaration of His glory and wonders among the heathen, asserting His supreme greatness and fearful nature above all other gods, which are mere idols. The psalm highlights that the LORD, in contrast, is the Creator of the heavens, possessing honor, majesty, strength, and beauty in His sanctuary. All peoples are called to ascribe glory and strength to Him, bringing offerings and worshipping in the beauty of holiness. A central message is to declare among the nations that the LORD reigns, establishing the world and judging its inhabitants righteously. The psalm culminates in a joyous summons for the heavens, earth, sea, fields, and trees to rejoice, for the LORD is coming to judge the world with righteousness and truth.

Long Summary

Psalm 96 opens with an enthusiastic and universal summons for all the earth to sing a new song unto the LORD, blessing His name and continually proclaiming His salvation. The psalmist urges the declaration of God's glory and His marvelous works among all nations, emphasizing His unparalleled greatness. He is to be feared above all other gods, for the gods of the nations are presented as mere idols, while the LORD is uniquely identified as the Creator of the heavens. The psalm describes His divine attributes, noting that honor, majesty, strength, and beauty reside before Him and within His sanctuary. A repeated call is issued to all the kindreds of the people to ascribe glory and strength to the LORD, to bring offerings, and to enter His sacred courts. The imperative to worship the LORD in the "beauty of holiness" is given, coupled with a command for all the earth to fear before Him. A pivotal message is to proclaim among the heathen that the LORD reigns, a reign that establishes the world firmly and ensures righteous judgment for all people. The psalm then shifts to an eschatological vision, inviting all elements of creation—the heavens, the earth, the sea with its fullness, the fields, and all the trees of the wood—to express joy and gladness. This universal rejoicing is prompted by the anticipation of the LORD's imminent arrival, for He is coming to judge the earth. The psalm concludes by affirming that He will judge the world with perfect righteousness and the people with His unwavering truth.

Core Concepts

  • Universal WorshipThe psalm calls upon "all the earth" and "all people" to sing, declare, and worship the LORD, extending the scope of praise beyond a single nation or group.
  • Supremacy of the LORDIt contrasts the LORD with the "gods of the nations," explicitly stating that these are "idols" while the LORD is the true God who "made the heavens," establishing His unique power and authority.
  • Divine AttributesThe psalm highlights the LORD's inherent qualities such as "greatness," "honour," "majesty," "strength," and "beauty," which are presented as reasons for His praise and worship.
  • Righteous Reign and JudgmentA central theme is the proclamation that "the LORD reigneth," implying His sovereign rule over the world, which will be established and judged with "righteousness" and "truth."
  • Creation's RejoicingThe psalm personifies elements of the natural world—heavens, earth, sea, fields, and trees—inviting them to express joy and gladness in anticipation of the LORD's coming.
  • New Song and SalvationThe opening verses call for a "new song" and the daily declaration of God's "salvation," suggesting a fresh and continuous acknowledgment of His redemptive acts.