Psalms 96
Old Testament · King James Version
Psalm 96 moves from a new song and daily proclamation of salvation to a worldwide summons to worship the Creator. The nations are called to ascribe glory to the LORD and announce that he reigns and judges with equity. The final movement personifies heaven, earth, sea, field, and forest as rejoicing because God comes to judge with righteousness and faithfulness.
O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.
Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength.
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
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.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
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.
Context
An unnamed enthronement and missionary psalm closely echoed in 1 Chronicles 16. Its universal language must not be converted into coercive mission, contempt for other peoples, modern nationalism, or private enforcement of divine judgment.
Themes & application
- Worship
- New song
- Nations
- Creation
- Kingship
- Judgment
Praise God freshly, speak truthfully of his saving work, resist tribal or national claims on divine glory, worship with reverence rather than coercion, and hope in God's just judgment while practicing non-retaliatory justice.
Key verses
The whole earth is summoned to sing a new song to the LORD.
God's glory is to be declared among all nations.
The nations are told that the LORD reigns and judges with equity.
Creation rejoices because God comes to judge in righteousness and faithfulness.
Common misreadings of Psalms 96
Misreading: Psalm 96 authorizes coercive conversion or contempt for other religions and cultures.
In context: The psalm calls for proclamation and worship but does not authorize coercion, ethnic superiority, harassment, or violence.
Misreading: The LORD reigns means a modern nation, ruler, or party can claim divine political status.
In context: The psalm exalts God's own universal reign and equitable judgment above human political orders.
Cross-references
- 1 Chronicles 16:23–33 — A close biblical parallel to much of Psalm 96.
Frequently asked questions about Psalms 96
Why does creation rejoice at judgment in Psalm 96?
Sources & editorial notes
- Translation
- Commentary anchored in the public-domain Psalm 96 text used by the site (en).
- Authorship
- No individual author is named in the psalm heading used for this chapter.
- Editorial process
- Synthesis checked against three literary movements and safeguards around mission, other religions, nationalism, giving, holiness, creation, and judgment.
References
- Psalm 96 — Primary text and structure.
- 1 Chronicles 16:23–33 — Close canonical parallel.
Author: The Lord Will Editorial Team · Reviewed by: Ugo Candido · Updated: 2026-08-20