Psalms 96

Psalms 96:11

11. • into my rest.] That is, into the land of Canaan, which was a type of heaven. Dr. Wells.

The wisdom and piety of the Church hath appointed this Psalm to be used every day in the beginning of our publick morning devotions, that there may be an union of all in heart and voice in the acknowledgment of God’s mercy. It is from not acknowledging at all, or not acknowledging together, the superiority of God over all the world, and his power and justice of disposing of all things in it, that we fail in our humility towards Him, and in the exercise of Christian duties towards all men; and it is from not enough remembering the ingrati-tude and rebellion of our forefathers, and the grievous punishments they underwent for the same, the forcing God to reverse his own purpose, and compelling Him not to let them see the blessing He intended to them, that we are still so much inclined to murmur at his providence, and undervalue his power. Lord Clarendon.

Psalm XCVI. We learn from 1 Chron. xvi, that, on the removal of the ark to the place prepared for it on mount Zion, David delivered this Psalm to be sung in commemoration of God’s special presence among them. It is a solemn invocation to the people to give glory to God, to acknowledge and adore Him, both as the Creator of all things, and the supreme and righteous Judge of the world. By common consent of Jews as well as Christians, this Psalm is applied to the times of the Messiah. Bp. Horne, Travell.

According to the Greek version, this Psalm was used at the dedication of the second temple, after the return of the Babylonish captivity. And it was somewhat altered to accommodate it to that purpose. Rosenmüller.

Ver. 1. - a new song:] See note at Ps. xxxiii. 3.