King James Version
Psalms 96
13 verses with commentary
Sing to the Lord a New Song
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse opens with a command to sing 'a new song,' establishing immediacy and freshness in worship. The Hebrew 'shir chadash' (new song) appears repeatedly in the Psalms (Psalm 98:1, 149:1) and suggests that worship should be ever-renewed rather than stale or rote. The 'newness' may indicate songs composed for specific occasions, responses to fresh mercies, or spiritual renewal. 'Sing unto the ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **A new song.**—See Note, Psalm 33:3. It appears to have been a kind of national and religious “lyric cry” after the Restoration. (Comp. Isaiah 42:10.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. The blessings of a fruitful harvest are mentioned as types of greater and spiritual blessings, under which all nations shall fear and love God.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 96
Chapter Outline
A call to all people to praise God.(1-9)
God's government and judgment.(10-13)
**Verses 1-9**
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All ...
Read full commentary →Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse specifies the content and purpose of worship, moving from the imperative to sing to the theological foundation for singing. 'Sing unto the LORD, bless his name' creates parallelism: singing and blessing are complementary acts. 'Bless his name' (Hebrew 'barechu et shemo') means to praise, honor, and magnify God's name - His revealed character and reputation. The name represents the total...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 96
Chapter Outline
A call to all people to praise God.(1-9)
God's government and judgment.(10-13)
**Verses 1-9**
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All ...
Read full commentary →Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse calls for declaration of God's glory among the nations and peoples. 'Declare his glory among the heathen' uses 'glory' (Hebrew 'kabod') to describe God's manifested power, splendor, and weighty significance. 'Glory' is not abstract but visible, demonstrated in divine acts. The command to declare this 'among the heathen' (non-Israelite peoples) reflects a missionary impulse: all nations ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 68 Psa 68:1-35. This is a Psalm-song (see on Psa 30:1, title), perhaps suggested by David's victories, which secured his throne and gave rest to the nation. In general terms, the judgment of God on the wicked, and the equity and goodness of His government to the pious, are celebrated. The sentiment is illustrated by examples of God's dealings, cited from the Jewish history and related in hig...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 96
Chapter Outline
A call to all people to praise God.(1-9)
God's government and judgment.(10-13)
**Verses 1-9**
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All ...
Read full commentary →For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.</strong> The conjunction "for" (<em>ki</em>, כִּי) grounds the call to sing a new song (vv. 1-3) in God's character: worship flows from who God is. "The LORD is great" (<em>gadol Yahweh</em>, גָּדוֹל יְהוָה) uses <em>gadol</em> (גָּדוֹל), meaning great in magnitude, power, significance, and transcendence. ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 68 Psa 68:1-35. This is a Psalm-song (see on Psa 30:1, title), perhaps suggested by David's victories, which secured his throne and gave rest to the nation. In general terms, the judgment of God on the wicked, and the equity and goodness of His government to the pious, are celebrated. The sentiment is illustrated by examples of God's dealings, cited from the Jewish history and related in hig...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 96
Chapter Outline
A call to all people to praise God.(1-9)
God's government and judgment.(10-13)
**Verses 1-9**
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All ...
Read full commentary →For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.</strong> The psalm's polemic against idolatry reaches its climax: the so-called gods of the nations are merely <em>elilim</em> (אֱלִילִים), a contemptuous term meaning worthless things, nothings, or idols. The word plays on <em>elohim</em> (gods) but reduces them to insignificance. These gods have no reality, power, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Idols.**—Literally, *nothings*; Heb., *elîlîm, *with a play on the word *el, *God. This plainly shows that by *Gods, *in Psalm 96:4, the heathen deities, and not angels, are meant. (See Note, Psalm 95:3.) The LXX. sometimes renders the Hebrew word “idols,” sometimes “vanities,” but here “demons.” Symmachus “nonexistences.”
**But the Lord made the heavens.**—*Nothings *could not do that, but ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 68 Psa 68:1-35. This is a Psalm-song (see on Psa 30:1, title), perhaps suggested by David's victories, which secured his throne and gave rest to the nation. In general terms, the judgment of God on the wicked, and the equity and goodness of His government to the pious, are celebrated. The sentiment is illustrated by examples of God's dealings, cited from the Jewish history and related in hig...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 96
Chapter Outline
A call to all people to praise God.(1-9)
God's government and judgment.(10-13)
**Verses 1-9**
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All ...
Read full commentary →Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.</strong> This verse describes the visible manifestation of God's presence in four paired attributes. "Honour and majesty" (<em>hod ve-hadar</em>, הוֹד־וְהָדָר) are royal terms describing splendor, glory, and majestic dignity. <em>Hod</em> (הוֹד) conveys radiant splendor; <em>hadar</em> (הָדָר) suggests ornamental ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Honour . . .** The whole universe displays Jehovah’s majesty, but chiefly his sanctuary in Israel, where it is typified by the costly splendour of the building and its rites. So the version of Apollinaris, “Pureness and stately glory fit his shrine.” The chronicler having adopted this psalm as suitable for the occasion when the ark was brought to Zion by David, has substituted “strength and ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. extol him ... heavens--**literally, "cast up for Him who rideth in the deserts," or "wilderness" (compare Psa 68:7), alluding to the poetical representation of His leading His people in the wilderness as a conqueror, before whom a way is to be prepared, or "cast up" (compare Is 40:3; 62:10).
**by his name JAH--**or, "Jehovah," of which it is a contraction (Ex 15:3; Is 12:2) (Hebrew).
**na...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 96
Chapter Outline
A call to all people to praise God.(1-9)
God's government and judgment.(10-13)
**Verses 1-9**
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All ...
Read full commentary →Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.</strong> The psalm shifts from description (vv. 4-6) to exhortation: "Give unto the LORD" (<em>havu la-Yahweh</em>, הָבוּ לַיהוָה) is repeated three times (here twice, again in v. 8), creating liturgical rhythm. "Give" (<em>yahav</em>, יָהַב) means to offer, ascribe, or attribute. We don't give God glor...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7-9) These verses are a relic of Psalm 29:1-2, where see Notes, but instead of being addressed to the angels it is, in accordance with the world of new ideas and feelings in which Israel lived after the Captivity, addressed to all the people of the world. A truly Messianic character is thus impressed on the psalm.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. are illustrated by the protection to the helpless, vindication of the innocent, and punishment of rebels, ascribed to Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 96
Chapter Outline
A call to all people to praise God.(1-9)
God's government and judgment.(10-13)
**Verses 1-9**
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All ...
Read full commentary →Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. due: Heb. of his name
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse focuses on the Temple worship context and the right ordering of honor and offerings. 'Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name' commands the giving of honor that corresponds to God's character and achievements. 'Glory due unto his name' suggests that God deserves honor commensurate with who He is - complete and full. This is not excessive flattery but accurate acknowledgment. 'Bri...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Offering.**—The *minchah, *or sacrifice of fine flour.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. are illustrated by the protection to the helpless, vindication of the innocent, and punishment of rebels, ascribed to Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 96
Chapter Outline
A call to all people to praise God.(1-9)
God's government and judgment.(10-13)
**Verses 1-9**
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All ...
Read full commentary →O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. in the: or, in the glorious sanctuary
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.</strong> The psalmist summons universal worship with two imperatives. "Worship" (<em>hishtachavu</em>, הִשְׁתַּחֲווּ) comes from <em>shachah</em> (שָׁחָה), meaning to bow down, prostrate oneself—physical expression of reverence and submission. True worship involves the body, not merely internal affection or intel...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.**—Better, *Bow before Jehovah in holy attire. *But the LXX. and Vulgate have as in margin.
**Fear before him.**—Or literally, *let all the earth be moved before his face.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7-8. (Compare Ex 19:16-18).
**thou wentest--**in the pillar of fire.
**thou didst march--**literally, "in Thy tread," Thy majestic movement.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 96
Chapter Outline
A call to all people to praise God.(1-9)
God's government and judgment.(10-13)
**Verses 1-9**
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse contains a declaration meant to be proclaimed among the nations, establishing God's cosmic authority and just governance. 'Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth' commands a proclamation: the nations should hear and understand that YHWH, not their gods and not human authorities, truly reigns. 'The LORD reigneth' (Hebrew 'Adonai malach') is a declaration of God's kingship - His act...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Say among the heathen.**—The watchword of the Restoration, “Jehovah has become King” (see Psalm 93:1, note, and comp. Isaiah 52:7), is an Evangel not only for Jerusalem but for the world at large. But to it is added (see the difference of arrangement in 1Chronicles 16:29-31) the further statement of the stability of the world, emblem of the stability and justice of the Divine Government.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7-8. (Compare Ex 19:16-18).
**thou wentest--**in the pillar of fire.
**thou didst march--**literally, "in Thy tread," Thy majestic movement.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-13**
We are to hope and pray for that time, when Christ shall reign in righteousness over all nations. He shall rule in the hearts of men, by the power of truth, and the Spirit of righteousness. His coming draws nigh; this King, this Judge standeth before the door, but he is not yet come. The Lord will accept the praises of all who seek to promote the kingdom of Christ. The sea can...
Read full commentary →Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. the fulness: or, all it containeth
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.</strong> This verse personifies all creation as participants in universal worship. The imperatives summon cosmic celebration: "Let the heavens rejoice" (<em>yismechu ha-shamayim</em>, יִשְׂמְחוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם) uses <em>samach</em> (שָׂמַח), to rejoice or be glad. The heavens—sky, celestial realm, p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11-13) Magnificent progress of the Divine Judge through His realm. There is only one thought, that of the inauguration of a righteous sway for all nations: at its advent, as in Isaiah’s glorious visions (see Isaiah 35:1-2; Isaiah 42:10; Isaiah 44:23; Isaiah 55:12), all nature seems to join the chorus of gladness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-10. a plentiful rain--**a rain of gifts, as manna and quails.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-13**
We are to hope and pray for that time, when Christ shall reign in righteousness over all nations. He shall rule in the hearts of men, by the power of truth, and the Spirit of righteousness. His coming draws nigh; this King, this Judge standeth before the door, but he is not yet come. The Lord will accept the praises of all who seek to promote the kingdom of Christ. The sea can...
Read full commentary →Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice</strong> Continuing creation's chorus, this verse summons agricultural fields and forests to jubilation. "Let the field be joyful" (<em>ya'alots sadai</em>, יַעֲלֹץ שָׂדַי) uses <em>alats</em> (עָלַץ), meaning to exult or rejoice triumphantly. <em>Sadeh</em> (שָׂדֶה, field) refers to cultivated l...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Then shall all the trees . . .**—Comp.—
*“*His praise, ye winds that from four quarters blow,
Breathe soft or loud, and wave your tops ye pines,
With every plant in sign of worship wave.”—MILTON.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-10. a plentiful rain--**a rain of gifts, as manna and quails.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-13**
We are to hope and pray for that time, when Christ shall reign in righteousness over all nations. He shall rule in the hearts of men, by the power of truth, and the Spirit of righteousness. His coming draws nigh; this King, this Judge standeth before the door, but he is not yet come. The Lord will accept the praises of all who seek to promote the kingdom of Christ. The sea can...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
This closing verse of Psalm 96 presents God in the role of cosmic judge, establishing the ultimate vindication of His justice. 'Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth' announces God's coming as judge. The repetition 'for he cometh, for he cometh' emphasizes certainty and imminence - the coming is sure and perhaps near. God comes 'to judge the earth' - to exercise righteou...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **For he cometh, for he cometh.**—Notice the striking repetition, the natural expression of gladness.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. gave the word--**that is, of triumph.
**company--**or, choir of females, celebrating victory (Ex 15:20).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-13**
We are to hope and pray for that time, when Christ shall reign in righteousness over all nations. He shall rule in the hearts of men, by the power of truth, and the Spirit of righteousness. His coming draws nigh; this King, this Judge standeth before the door, but he is not yet come. The Lord will accept the praises of all who seek to promote the kingdom of Christ. The sea can...
Read full commentary →