Chapter commentary
Psalms Chapter 96
1
Ps 96:1-13.
2
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2. show forth--literally, "declare joyful tidings."
salvation--illustrates His glory in its wonders of love and mercy.
4
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4, 5. For He is not a local God, but of universal agency, while idols are nothing.
6
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6. Honour and majesty--are His attendants, declared in His mighty works, while power and grace are specially seen in His spiritual relations to His people.
7
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7-9. Give--or, "ascribe"
(Ps 29:1)
due honor to Him, by acts of appointed and solemn worship in His house.
8
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8. offering--of thanks.
9
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9. beauty of holiness--
(Ps 29:2).
fear . . . him--
(Ps 2:11).
10
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10. Let all know that the government of the world is ordered in justice, and they shall enjoy firm and lasting peace (compare
Ps 72:3, 7; Isa 9:6, 7).
11
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11-13. For which reason the universe is invoked to unite in joy, and even inanimate nature
(Ro 8:14-22)
is poetically represented as capable of joining in the anthem of praise.
Ps 96:1-13.
The substance of this Psalm, and portions of the ninety-seventh, ninety-eighth, and hundredth, are found in
1Ch 16:7-36,
which was used by David's directions in the dedication of the tabernacle on Mount Zion. The dispensation of the Messiah was typified by that event, involving, as it did, a more permanent seat of worship, and the introduction of additional and more spiritual services. Hence the language of these Psalms may be regarded as having a higher import than that pertinent to the occasion on which it was thus publicly used.
1-3. All nations are invited to unite in this most joyful praise.
new song--literally, "fresh," or new mercies
(Ps 33:3; 40:3).