Psalm 96: Praying Through The Psalms

Sing to Yahweh a new song! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth. Sing to Yahweh! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day (Ps. 96:1-2, WEB).”

It is good to sing to Yahweh. For He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. The whole earth was created by His wisdom and divine providence. Let’s bless his name forever—proclaim his salvation from day to day; for He is a great God and worthy to be praised!

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For Yahweh is great, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods (Ps. 96:3-4).

Heavenly Father, your invisible attributes are clearly seen in nature. When humanity looks up at the stars, how can they not wonder who created this masterpiece? That’s why I will declare your glory among the nations. I will shout to all those around me your marvelous works.

When I was in distress, you rescued me. Even when I was far from you, you brought me near by your grace and love. You are to be greatly praised. You are to be feared above all gods because you hold eternal judgment in your hands.

For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength. Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts (Ps. 96:5-8).

O Lord, idols can’t speak. They have no power to save people from their calamity. Idols are lifeless and futile, but you are full of life and sovereign over all of creation. For you made the heavens and the Earth. Honor, majesty, and glory should be given to you.

Creator of the Universe, every family of the earth should ascribe to you glory and honor. Every creature that breathes should use their breath to praise your holy name. When we bring an offering to you, let it be our entire being. Teach us to obey your commandments and follow you all the days of our lives.

Worship Yahweh in holy array. Tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “Yahweh reigns.” The world is also established. It can’t be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness (Ps. 96:9-11)

Righteous Lord, you are the most powerful being in the universe. Therefore, it is proper to tremble before your holiness and awesome splendor. You will reign forever, and no one has the authority or ability to dethrone you; for you will be praised forever.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice. Let the sea praise you, along with every creature on the earth. Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord Almighty. The whole world is full of his glory. Praise be to His name!

Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy before Yahweh; for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with his truth (Ps. 96:12-13).

The trees will clap their hands and praise you. The field will exult and rejoice before you. When you establish your kingdom forever, you will judge the whole earth with righteousness and truth. Therefore, equip us to be prepared to stand before your holiness.

As we trust in Jesus, your Son, to cleanse us from all our sins; we will be found without fault. Not because of what we have done, but because of the imputation and righteousness of Christ. Praise be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Psalm Commentary written by Chad A. Damitz