Psalm 96 Study Notes

96:1-3 This new song was cosmic praise for Yahweh’s reign over a universal kingdom comprising all peoples (98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Is 42:10; see note at Ps 33:1-3). Mention of the sanctuary (96:6) implies a preexilic origin for this psalm. A threefold repetition of sing followed by three imperatives—bless . . . proclaim, and declare—underscore the purpose of the song: to glorify the Lord’s works of salvation.

96:4 On he is feared above all gods, see notes at 29:1; 82:1.

96:5 The psalmist contrasted the impotence of idols with the creative power of Yahweh, challenging all association between false gods and the natural forces of the cosmos. The gods of the peoples are worthless or powerless (97:7; Is 42:5,8,17).

96:6 Four descriptive nouns—splendor . . . majesty . . . strength, and beauty—are personified as divine escorts preceding the Lord’s processional entrance into the temple.

96:7-9 These verses represent an expansion of 29:1-2, substituting families (lit “tribes, clans”) of the peoples for “sons of God” (see note at 29:1), while adding bring an offering and enter his courts, and let the whole earth tremble before him. The modifications redirect the praise of the Lord from the heavenly realm to the earthly sphere, functioning as a polemic against other deities. To ascribe something to someone is to acknowledge they have that attribute.

96:10 With the phrase the Lord reigns, the psalmist reinforced Yahweh’s dual roles as King and Creator.

96:11-12 The personification of heavens . . . earth . . . the sea . . . fields, and trees in cosmic praise for the Lord recalls imagery from the prophet Isaiah (Is 44:23; 49:13).