Psalms 96:1-13 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

XCVI. The Praise of Yahweh in Israel, among the Nations, in all Creation. This Ps. is inserted with considerable variations, in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33, 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.

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.