Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 96:13
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
The Hebrew word for world, it refers to the earth and its inhabitants. In the Bible, it's used to describe the world God created, like in Psalm 24, which says the earth belongs to God.
Definition: world
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: habitable part, world. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 97:4; Psalms 9:9.
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
The Hebrew word for faithfulness, meaning firmness, security, or fidelity. It describes being steady and trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations of faith, stability, and truth. This concept is essential in the Bible, particularly in relationships and commitments.
Definition: firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful, -ly, -ness, (man)), set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily. See also: Exodus 17:12; Psalms 89:50; Psalms 33:4.
Context — Sing to the LORD, All the Earth
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Revelation 19:11 |
Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. |
| 2 |
2 Timothy 4:8 |
From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. |
| 3 |
Isaiah 25:8–9 |
He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. For the LORD has spoken. And in that day it will be said, “Surely this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” |
| 4 |
Titus 2:13 |
as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. |
| 5 |
Psalms 96:10 |
Declare among the nations: “The LORD reigns!” The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity. |
| 6 |
Psalms 67:4 |
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah |
| 7 |
Psalms 98:9 |
before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity. |
| 8 |
1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 |
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. |
| 9 |
2 Thessalonians 1:10 |
on the day He comes to be glorified in His saints and regarded with wonder by all who have believed, including you who have believed our testimony. |
| 10 |
Revelation 22:10 |
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near. |
Psalms 96:13 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God is coming to judge the earth, and that He will do so in a way that is fair and just, as He always acts in accordance with His righteous character (Psalm 119:137). When God judges the world, He will be faithful to His promises and will evaluate our lives based on His holy law. As we consider this truth, we should strive to live our lives in a way that honors God, seeking to know and obey His will, and trusting in His mercy and grace for salvation and forgiveness (1 Peter 1:17). By living 'before the Lord', we can cultivate a deeper reverence for God and a greater awareness of His presence in our daily lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Lord is coming to judge the earth?
This refers to the future time when God will hold all people accountable for their actions, as described in Revelation 20:12 and Romans 14:10-12. It's a reminder that our lives are not our own, and we will one day give an account to God.
How will God judge the world in righteousness?
God's judgment will be based on His perfect standard of righteousness, as seen in Psalm 119:137 and Jeremiah 9:24. This means that He will evaluate our lives according to His holy law and character, not by human standards or opinions.
What is the significance of God judging the peoples in His faithfulness?
This means that God will be faithful to His promises and character, even in His judgment. As Deuteronomy 32:4 and Psalm 36:5 remind us, God is a faithful and just God who always acts in accordance with His nature and Word.
How should we respond to the fact that the Lord is coming to judge the earth?
We should respond with reverence, humility, and a desire to live a life that honors God, as encouraged in 1 Peter 1:17 and 2 Corinthians 5:9-10. This means seeking to know and obey God's will, and trusting in His mercy and grace for salvation and forgiveness.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to live my life 'before the Lord', and how can I cultivate a greater awareness of His presence and judgment in my daily life?
- How do I currently think about God's judgment, and what fears or misconceptions might I need to address in order to have a healthier understanding of this doctrine?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my faithfulness to God, even in the face of uncertainty or hardship, and what promises from Scripture can I cling to in these times?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be living in disobedience or rebellion against God's will, and what steps can I take to repent and realign myself with His commands and character?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 96:13
Before the Lord,.... At the face of him, in his presence; meeting him as he comes, and rejoicing at his coming: this clause is to be joined to everyone in the two preceding verses: for he cometh, for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 96:13
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. Before the Lord; for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 96:13
Before the Lord; at the presence and approach of their Lord and Maker. To judge the earth; to take to himself that power and authority which belongs to him, to set up his throne and dominion among all the nations of the earth. With his truth; or, in his faithfulness, i.e. so as he hath promised to do. He will certainly and abundantly fulfil all God’ s promises made to his people.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 96:13
Psalms 96:13 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. Ver. 13. Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh] Certainly, suddenly, happily, &c., for this is the sum of all the good news in the world, that Christ cometh and cometh; that is, saith Basil, once, to show the world how they shall be saved; and a second time, to judge the world for neglecting so great salvation, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 96:13
(13) For he cometh, for he cometh.—Notice the striking repetition, the natural expression of gladness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 96:13
Verse 13. For he coms, he coms. He coms, fyrste to be man. - Sythen he comes to deme the erth. He sal deme in evenes the erth: - and folk in his sothfastnes. Nothing is evener, or sothfaster, than that he geder with hym perfyte men; to deme and to deperte to the rig hande (thaim) that did mercy: - pase to the lefte hande (thaim) that did it nogt. The psalmist here in the true spirit of poetry, gives life and intelligence to universal nature, producing them all as exulting in the reign of the Messiah, and the happiness which should take place in the earth when the Gospel should be universally preached. These predictions seem to be on the eve of complete fulfilment. Lord, hasten the time! For a fuller explanation see the following analysis. ANALYSIS OF THE NINETY-SIXTH PSALM Although this Psalm was composed by David at the bringing back of the ark, yet most ancient and modern Christian expositors acknowledge it a prophecy of Christ's kingdom, to be enlarged by the accession of all the Gentiles, and finally, his coming to judgment.
There are two parts in this Psalm: - I. A general exhortation to both Jews and Gentiles to praise God, Psalms 96:1-3. II. A prophecy of Christ's kingdom, described by its greatness, Psalms 96:4-5; the honours and glory, Psalms 96:6; of the majesty of the King, Psalms 96:7-8. 1. The amplitude of this kingdom, Psalms 96:10. 2. His judicature in it, Psalms 96:11-13. I. 1. The invitation to praise God for the benefits conferred on the whole earth by Christ. Psalms 96:1-3. 1. That the praise be full, he thrice repeats, "O sing, sing, sing;" to the honour of the Trinity, says Bellarmine, obscurely intimated in the Old, but plainly to be preached in the New, Testament. 2.
"Show forth." Give praise by thanks and singing. 3. "Declare." Carry good news - the Gospel of glad tidings. 2. The song to be sung must be new: "Sing unto the Lord a new song." New, for a new benefit; new, to be sung by new people; new, as being on a most excellent subject. 3. It was to be sung "by the whole earth." By new men, and all the world over; for God was not now to be known in Judea only, but by all nations. 4. It must be continually sung, from day to day, without cessation; for as one day succeeds another, so should there be a continual succession in his praise. Afterwards he expresses the benefits for which the whole earth is to praise him, which is for the redemption of the world by his Son. 1. He shows forth his salvation, which he has conferred on mankind by Christ. 2. "Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people." Salvation was a glorious work, full of wonders. And this was to be evangelized, as before to the Jews by the prophets, so now to all people by the apostles. II.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 96:13
13. Jehovah comes to establish His righteous rule on earth. The predominant aspect of judgement here is not punishment but government, although no doubt government must include punishment (Isaiah 11:3-4). The verse recurs in Psalms 98:9; and it is an echo of Psa 9:8. and the people with his truth] Rather, and the peoples in his faithfulness. Cp. Psalms 92:2. The last two lines are omitted in Chron.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 96:13
Before the Lord - This is altered from 1 Chr. 16. The language there is simply, “Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the Lord, because he cometh to judge the earth.” The
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 96:13
13. He shall judge the world with righteousness—This description of the happy state of the earth accords with that of John, (Revelation 20:4 :) “I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.” Comp.
Sermons on Psalms 96:13
| Sermon | Description |
|
Are We "One Nation Under God"?
by Robert P. Jr Dugan
|
Robert P. Jr Dugan preaches about the importance of acknowledging God's role in the durability and prosperity of nations, drawing parallels between the United States and Israel's h |
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2 Peter 1:19
by John Gill
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John Gill emphasizes the significance of the prophetic word in 2 Peter 1:19, asserting that it serves as a reliable guide for believers, especially regarding the second coming of C |
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Hell - Part 1
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of hell and the judgment of God. He emphasizes that even before eternity comes, God will pour out His judgments on the earth, inc |
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(Revelation - Part 1): John Saw Further in All Directions
by A.W. Tozer
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and the visions that John saw. He describes how John saw various apocalyptic events, such as the sun turning black, th |
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War in Heaven
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being ready for the return of Jesus Christ. He uses the analogy of a house on fire to illustrate the urgency of the situat |
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Why Do the Heathen Rage
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the inability to pacify the wicked and gives four reasons why it is impossible. He uses Hosea 11:1 as a reference and explains that pursuing |
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Jehovah Raphi-the Lord That Heals
by David Wilkerson
|
In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that there is something of God that will not let go of us. He speaks of God's love, mercy, and compassion, and how He sends His servants to |