The Hebrew word "mishpat" (judgment) appears three times in verses 10-13, uniquely framing divine judgment as cause for cosmic celebration rather than fear.
Psalms 96
Praise to God Who Comes in Judgment
1Sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2Sing to the LORD! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day!
3Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
6Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7Ascribe to the LORD, you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9Worship the LORD in holy array. Tremble before him, all the earth.
10Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” The world is also established. It can’t be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.
11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness!
12Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy
13before the LORD; for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with his truth.
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Theme
Psalm 96 is a triumphant hymn calling all creation to worship the LORD with a 'new song' and proclaim His salvation to the nations. The psalmist contrasts the LORD's supremacy as Creator with the worthlessness of idols, emphasizing His glory, strength, and majesty that deserve universal recognition. The psalm culminates in anticipation of God's coming judgment, portrayed not as fearsome destruction but as righteous rule that will bring joy to all creation.
Context
This psalm shares themes and language with surrounding enthronement psalms (93-99) that celebrate God's kingship over creation and nations.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-3 Universal Call to Worship All earth is summoned to sing praise and proclaim God's salvation to the nations.
- 4-6 The LORD's Supremacy Over Idols God's greatness as Creator is contrasted with the worthlessness of other gods and idols.
- 7-9 Worship in God's Sanctuary Nations are called to ascribe glory to God and worship Him with offerings and reverence.
- 10-13 Anticipation of Divine Judgment All creation rejoices at the prospect of God's righteous rule and equitable judgment.
Praise to God Who Comes in Judgment
96:1–96:13 poetry song joyful
A call for all nations to sing praise to the LORD, declaring His glory and salvation, while anticipating His coming judgment of the earth with righteousness and truth.
structural
The Hebrew word "mishpat" (judgment) appears three times in verses 10-13, uniquely framing divine judgment as cause for cosmic celebration rather than fear.
Insights
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Psalms 96:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Psalms 33:3 Lexical
Sing to him a new song. Play skillfully with a shout of joy!
Isaiah 42:10 Lexical
Sing to the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is there…
Psalms 144:9 Lexical
I will sing a new song to you, God. On a ten-stringed lyre, I will sing praises to you.
Psalms 98:1 Lexical
Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for…
Psalms 149:1 Lexical
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.
Psalms 96:2 1 reference
Psalms 96:3 1 reference
Psalms 96:6 1 reference
Psalms 96:7 2 references
Psalms 96:8 1 reference
Psalms 96:9 2 references
Psalms 96:10 4 references
Lexicals 4
Psalms 93:1 Lexical
The LORD reigns! He is clothed with majesty! The LORD is armed with strength. The world also is established. It can’t be…
1 Chronicles 16:30 Lexical
Tremble before him, all the earth. The world also is established that it can’t be moved.
Proverbs 12:3 Lexical
A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Isaiah 14:21 Lexical
Prepare for slaughter of his children because of the iniquity of their fathers, that they not rise up and possess the ea…
Psalms 96:11 3 references
Lexicals 3
1 Chronicles 16:32 Lexical
Let the sea roar, and its fullness! Let the field exult, and all that is in it!
Psalms 98:7 Lexical
Let the sea roar with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.
1 Chronicles 16:31 Lexical
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice! Let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
Psalms 96:12 3 references
Lexicals 3
1 Chronicles 16:33 Lexical
Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.
Isaiah 44:23 Lexical
Sing, you heavens, for the LORD has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth! Break out into singing, you mountains,…
Ezekiel 39:10 Lexical
so that they will take no wood out of the field, and not cut down any out of the forests; for they will make fires with…
Psalms 96:13 2 references
Interlinear
Word-by-word original language
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