Psalms 96

All the inhabitants of the earth and the sea are exhorted to praise God for his greatness sake, his Majesty, Excellncy, Creating, and wise governing of the world, and of all that is therein: and especially, by reason of the Gentiles.

1. Sing [Though Davids name be not expressed, it seemeth nevertheless that he is the Author of this Psalm: for this Psalm is a part of that song of praise which David made and sung when he brought the Ark of the Covenant home into his own house out of Obed Edoms, 1 Chron.16,23. And see further in the Annot.there] unto the LORD a new hymn, [See Psalms 33:3.] Sing unto the LORD, thou whole earth: [i.e. all ye inhabitants of the world.]

2. Sing unto the LORD, praise his Name: declare his salvation from day to day; [viz. The salvation and deliverance, which he hath performed, and is performing daily yet.]

3. Recount his honour among the Heathen: his wonders among all people, (or nations.)

4. For the LORD is great and much to be praised, be is formidable above all Gods.

5. For all the Gods of the Nations are idols; [Or, nothings, nihili: See the Annot.on 1 Sam.12.v.21. and Levit.19.v.4. and Psalms 95:3.] but the LORD hath made the heavens: [understand withal and the earth too, together with the sea, and all that is therein.]

6. Majesty and glory are before his face, strength and comeliness in his Sanctury. [i.e. in the Tabernacle or Temple, that is in his Church and assemble: See Psalms 29:2.]

7. Give unto the LORD, ye generations of people, give unto the LORD honour and strength: [i.e. the praise and glory of his strength. See the Annotations, Psalm 8.on verse 3.]

8. Give unto the LORD, the honour of his Name, [i.e. the honour which doth properly belong unto him] bring offering [by one part of Gods worship and service, there is to be understood here the whole] and come into his Courts. [i.e. into the Courts of the Tabernacle or Temple: yet hereby there are to be understood all other places where the faithful meet and assemble for the performance of Gods solemn worship and service.]

9. Worship the LORD in the glory of his Sanctuary, stand in awe [the Hebrew word doth properly signify such shaking and trembling, as cometh upon women when they are in travel] before his face, thou whole earth: [i.e. all ye dwellers on the earth, ye inhabitants of all the World.]

10. Say among the heathen; the LORD reigneth: [i.e. he maketh it to appear in deeds, that he is Lord and King of all the Earth. Psa.93.1. and 97.1. and 99.1.] also the World shall be established, [see above Psa.93.v.1.] it shall not be moved: he shall judge the Nations in all rectitude. [Heb. In rectitudes directnesses.]

11. Let the heavens [Or the heavens shall, etc. And so in the sequel] rejoice and the earth, be glad: [these are expressions taken from the carriage of men, when it goeth well with them: thereby to shew the excellency of Gods benefits, which were to be imparted to the world under the government of the Messiah.] let the Sea roar [or make a noise, Heb. Thunder] with all the fullness thereof [Heb. And the fullness of it; i.e. together with all that, whereof it is replenished.]

12. Let the field skip for joy with all that is therein, let then all the trees of the wood shout.

13. Before the face of LORD: [viz. Of Christ before mentioned] for he cometh; for be cometh to judge the earth; [i.e. to rule and govern it] he shall judge the world [i.e. the inhabitants of the world] with righteousness, and the Nations with his truth: [or, faithfulness.]