Bible Gateway Psalm 96 :: NIV (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning behind Psalm 96? ›

psalmist here is telling the people to attribute to God the glory and honor that is due his name. This is another way of saying we should praise God for who he is and what he has done. It is describing God's worthiness, he is the most worthy of our praise and worship.

1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.

Bible Gateway Psalm 96 :: NIV. Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Part 4 (verses 11-13) is not included in the lectionary, perhaps because of the judgment theme. These verses proclaim that God comes to judge the nations in righteousness. Yet this judgment evokes more joy than dread, for the whole world, both nations and nature, will rejoice — even the trees will sing.

Mighty God, Merciful Father, you have saved your people to bring glory to your name, so that may worship you and long for you. And today, as we sing your praises from every corner of the world, we also pray with one voice: Don't haste your coming, O Lord!

The Lord means for us to guard our hearts by filtering our emotions, desires, thoughts, and responses through his Word. He is the watchman that protects our souls. And what's his primary means of defense? The sword of Scripture.

O sing unto the LORD a new song; Sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvellous works among all the peoples. For great is the LORD, and highly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. .

The book of Psalms expresses worship. Throughout its many pages, Psalms encourages its readers to praise God for who He is and what He has done. The Psalms illuminate the greatness of our God, affirm His faithfulness to us in times of trouble, and remind us of the absolute centrality of His Word.

In the fabric of this prayer, “Lord, I am not worthy . . . but only say the word and my soul shall be healed,” is a sense of peace and an urge to return to the heart of what it means to be Christian. I am reminded of the supremacy of God when I admit my unworthiness to be in his presence.

Very likely this song was some portion of Psalm 114–118, and very likely it was sung antiphonally, meaning Jesus led the men by singing a line, and the disciples responded by singing a “Hallelujah.” Back and forth they responsively marched through a psalm in song.

Why does God want us to sing a new song? ›

He wants us to sing new songs to Him so we can celebrate all the new ways He changes our lives (Isaiah 42:10-12). Don't be afraid to sing loud in response to Jesus, whether it's on a Sunday, with a cranked up car stereo Monday morning, or at home with your family during the week.

Psalm 96 proclaims that God made the heavens and everything else and as a result, “strength and glory” are in his sanctuary. One could get the sense that a good bit of what constitutes that strength and glory are the things we can see around us in the physical creation. Look around! See what God has made!

Indeed, Psalm 96:7-9 invites all humankind to “ascribe” strength and glory to the Lord and to offer in his courts worship that is appropriate for the sovereign God.

The idea is that which is expressed in our translation. Bring to God what is due to him; or, render such an acknowledgment as he deserves and claims. Acknowledge him as God, and acknowledge him to be such a God as he is.

Psalm 96:5-6 (ESV) For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. The gods of many nations are worthless idols, they are nothing and can do nothing.

David expresses his conviction in this verse that the Lord's goodness will be with him throughout his life. Whether green pastures and still waters lay ahead, or David was required to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord's goodness would accompany him.

It is a metaphor that reminds us that His Word says He will open the windows of Heaven and pour us out blessings we won't have room to receive. It causes us to reflect on the tragedies in life that brought us to our knees.