Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
-As in the preceding strophe the intensity of the joy at the Lord's coming is set forth, so in this strophe its extent. All the world and its inhabitants are to be joyful together.
Verse 7. Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof - (Psalms 96:11, end.) The sea, in solemn, measured rear, is to peal its deep-toned welcome to its Lord.
The world, and they that dwell therein - Psalms 24:1.)
Verse 8. Let the floods clap their hands. Clapping of hands was the customary mode of expressing joy at the accession of a king (2 Kings 11:12; Psalms 47:1; Isaiah 55:12). Man's modes of praise are here attributed to dumb nature, because man is the conscious interpreter and high priest of the unconscious worship of nature.
Verse 9. For he cometh to judge the earth - the cause for joy. The Lord, by His righteous rule as King and judge, will bring the earth from under the misery of the curse into a state of peace, joy, and blessedness; (Psalms 96:13; Isaiah 11:1.)