Psalms 96

This spirited Psalm opens the series of ‘coronation anthems’ which are the response to the invitation of Psalms 95, and form a lyrical counterpart to the prophecies of Isaiah 40-66. Its occasion, as we have seen in the Introd. to Psalms 95, is in all probability rightly indicated by the LXX title, When the house was being built after the Captivity. In the recent deliverance of Israel the Psalmist sees the earnest of the establishment of the universal Divine kingdom of righteousness, and he looks forward to the new Temple becoming “a house of prayer for all the peoples.” The liturgical use of such Psalms as this served to keep alive the Messianic hope in Israel, and to prepare the way for the Advent of God in Christ. See Introd. p. lxxxi. The Psalm consists of four stanzas. i. Let Jehovah’s praise be sung and His glory proclaimed among all the nations (Psalms 96:1-3). ii. For He alone is supremely great and glorious (Psalms 96:4-6). iii. Let the nations acknowledge Him and pay Him homage in His Temple (Psalms 96:7-9). iv. Let His proclamation of His kingdom be made known throughout the world, and let universal Nature rejoice in the establishment of His righteous rule (Psalms 96:10-13). With some omissions and variations this Psalm forms part (v. 23–33) of the composite anthem which the Chronicler introduces to celebrate the translation of the Ark to Zion (1 Chronicles 16:8 ff.); and this may be the reason why it is called in the LXX A Psalm of David, inconsistently with the earlier part of the title When the house was being built after the Captivity. It is hardly necessary to remark that it is quite impossible to regard the Chronicler’s Psalm as the original of which this Psalm is a fragment detached for liturgical use.

Psalms 96:1-3

1–3. A call to the universal praise of Jehovah.

Psalms 96:2

2. Shew forth &c.] Lit., Proclaim the good tidings (LXX, εὐαγγελίζεσθε) of his salvation, the deliverance which He has wrought for Israel, from day to day, renewing your praises with each returning day, for such a revelation of infinite mercy demands unceasing celebration. Cp. Isaiah 52:7. Psalms 96:1 b, 2 b are combined in 1 Chronicles 16:23, Psalms 96:1 a, Psalms 96:2 a being omitted.

Psalms 96:3

3. Tell of his glory among the nations, His marvellous works among all the peoples. Cp. Isaiah 66:18; and see note on Psalms 9:1.

Psalms 96:4-6

4–6. Jehovah’s worthiness to be praised.

Psalms 96:5

5. For all the gods of the peoples are things of nought [or, idols]; powerless, nay, non-existent. Cp. the argument of Isa 40:18 ff; Isaiah 44:9 ff. but the Lord &c.] The appeal to the works of creation as a proof of Jehovah’s power occurs frequently in Isaiah 40-66. See Isaiah 40:22; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 44:24.

Psalms 96:6

6. The attributes of honour and majesty (Psalms 104:1) are perhaps personified, and regarded as attendants standing in God’s Presence. Strength and beauty are terms applied in Psalms 78:61 to the Ark, the symbol of His Presence. The sanctuary is not heaven, but the restored Temple, where with the eye of faith the Psalmist sees the glory of Jehovah returning to dwell, although the Ark was no longer there to represent it. Cp. Isaiah 60:13. 1 Chronicles 16:27 reads “Strength and gladness are in his place,” possibly to adapt the Psalm for the occasion when the Temple did not yet exist.

Psalms 96:7-9

7–9. An appeal to the nations to acknowledge Jehovah. These verses are a free imitation of Psa 29:1-2.

Psalms 96:8

8. The glory of his name is given to Jehovah when He is acknowledged as the One Living and True God. The offering is the ‘present’ which subjects bring to their lord in token of their submission (2 Samuel 8:2). Cp. Isaiah 60:5 ff. For into his courts 1 Chronicles 16:29 reads before him, to suit the time when the Temple was not yet built.

Psalms 96:9

9. in the beauty of holiness] In holy array. See on Psalms 29:2. “As the priests were to minister only in ‘holy attire’ (Exodus 28:2) so must the nations be now clothed with holiness” (Kay).

Psalms 96:10-13

10–13. Proclaim that Jehovah is King, and let universal Nature rejoice in the prospect of His righteous rule.

Psalms 96:11

11. Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice (R.V.)] Such appeals to Nature to rejoice in the redemption of Israel are characteristic of the later Isaiah (Isaiah 44:23; Isaiah 49:13). In the establishment of God’s righteous rule the Psalmist sees the prelude of the Messianic age which is to bring harmony and peace to all creation. Cp. Isaiah 11:1 ff; Isaiah 35:1 ff; Isaiah 55:12-13; Romans 8:19 ff. roar] Lit. thunder. Cp. Psalms 98:7. the fulness thereof] I.e. all that is therein, as the same word is rendered in Isaiah 42:10. Cp. Psalms 24:1.

Psalms 96:12

12. be joyful … rejoice] Exult … sing for joy (R.V.). Then is significant: in that age when the Divine kingdom is universally established.

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.