Psalms 96:10-12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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.

-The announcement that the Lord reigneth, to be proclaimed by those who have heard it, to those pagan who have not.

Verse 10. Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved - (Psalms 93:1, note.) The open assuming of the kingdom by the Lord shall establish unmovably the earth, which has been shaken to its foundation by man's sin (Psalms 75:3; Isaiah 24:5). Peace shall universally supersede the present state of disorder (Isaiah 2:4).

He shall judge the people righteously. In Psalms 93:1-5 the establishment of the earth is the consequence of the majestic strength of the Lord. Here it is the consequence of His judging righteously. The two need to be combined. 'It is only the righteous omnipotence, and the omnipotent righteousness of God that can produce such effects' (Hengstenberg). As to the Lord's coming kingdom, cf. Isaiah 24:23; Isaiah 52:7, end; also Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-16; Psalms 72:1. This verse expands 1 Chronicles 16:30-31.

Verse 11,12. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad let the sea roar ... Let the field be joyful ... all the trees of the wood rejoice. The earth stands in contrast to the heavens on one hand, and the sea on the other. The field is opposed to the wood. The physical world shall unconsciously express joyous sympathy with the moral world, both alike being "delivered from the bondage of corruption" (Romans 8:21; Romans 8:23; 2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 44:23; Isaiah 55:12-13).

Psalms 96:10-12

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