This is a triumphant song of praise to God (Psalms 96:1-3), contrasting His power and glory with the nothingness of the heathen idols (Psalms 96:4-6), calling all the earth to worship Him (Psalms 96:7-9), exulting in His rule (Psalms 96:10), and calling all nations to rejoice in the prospect of His coming in judgment (Psalms 96:11-13). The tone of the Ps. is closely akin to that of Isaiah 40-66, and was in all likelihood inspired by the deliverance from exile. The existence of the second Temple will then be implied in Isaiah 66:6; Isaiah 66:8. This Ps. has been wrought into the composite poem of 1 Chronicles 16:8-36.
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.