Psalm 96

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 his 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 fulness 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.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: Psalms
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 96

Overview:
A Call to all people to praise God. (1-9) God's government and
Judgment. (10-13)

1-9 When Christ finished his work On Earth, and was received
into his Glory in Heaven, the Church began to sing a new song
unto him, and to Bless his name. His apostles and evangelists
showed forth his Salvation among the Heathen, his wonders among
all people. All the Earth is here summoned to Worship the Lord.
We must Worship him in the beauty of Holiness, as God in Christ,
reconciling the world unto himself. Glorious things are said of
him, both as motives to praise and matter of praise.

10-13 We are to Hope and pray for that time, when Christ shall
reign in Righteousness over all nations. He shall rule in the
hearts of men, By the power of Truth, and the Spirit of
Righteousness. His coming draws nigh; this King, this Judge
standeth before the door, but he is not yet come. The Lord will
accept the praises of all who seek to promote the kingdom of
Christ. The Sea can but roar, and how the trees of the Wood can
show that they rejoice we know not; but He that searches the
Heart knows what is the mind of the Spirit, and understands the
words, the broken language of the weakest. Christ will come to
Judge the Earth, to execute just vengeance On his enemies, and
to fulfil his largest promises to his people. What then are we?
Would that Day be welcome to us? If this be not our case, let us
now begin to prepare to meet our God, By seeking the Pardon of
our sins, and the renewal of our souls to Holiness.