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Psalms 96

Psalms 96 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 96 calls every nation and all creation to praise the LORD. It urges God's people to speak about His salvation, honor His greatness, and worship with reverence. The psalm also points ahead to the LORD's coming rule and righteous judgment.

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What happens in Psalms 96?

This psalm is a global call to worship. It begins with singing, blessing God's name, and telling of His salvation and mighty works among the nations. The LORD is set apart from empty idols because He made the heavens and is clothed in majesty and strength. The worship scene includes offerings, holiness, and awe before His presence. The psalm then announces that the LORD reigns, giving stability to the world and justice to all peoples. Creation itself is pictured rejoicing because He is coming to judge the earth with righteousness and faithfulness.

Psalm 96 sits among psalms that celebrate the LORD's kingship and call God's people to praise Him. It follows a psalm urging worship and trust, and it widens the vision outward to the nations and all creation. The chapter blends worship, mission, and hope in God's coming rule.

Themes to notice

  • Universal worshipThe psalm invites all the earth and all nations to honor the LORD, not just Israel.
  • God's kingshipIt declares that the LORD reigns, unlike powerless idols, and gives the world firm order.
  • Righteous judgmentThe psalm looks ahead to God's fair and faithful judgment over all people and creation.

Questions for Psalms 96

  • What does Psalm 96 say should be shared about the LORD among the nations?
  • How does this chapter describe the difference between the LORD and the gods of the nations?
  • What hope does the psalm give about God's coming judgment?

Read the full text of Psalms 96 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 96

Sing to the LORD, All the Earth

1Sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all the earth.

2Sing to the LORD, bless His name;

proclaim His salvation day after day.

3Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonderful deeds among all peoples.

4For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;

He is to be feared above all gods.

5For all the gods of the nations are idols,

but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

6Splendor and majesty are before Him;

strength and beauty fill His sanctuary.

7Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the nations,

ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

8Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;

bring an offering and enter His courts.

9Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness;

tremble before Him, all the earth.

10Declare among the nations: “The LORD reigns!”

The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved;

He will judge the peoples with equity.

11Let the heavens be glad

and the earth rejoice;

let the sea resound,

and all that fills it.

12Let the fields exult,

and all that is in them.

Then all the trees of the forest

will sing for joy

13before the LORD,

for He is coming—

He is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness

and the peoples in His faithfulness.

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