Psalms Chapter 96
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
Psalms 96:1-9
Bible Verses:
1O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
2Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
4For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.
6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength.
8Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All the earth is here summoned to worship the Lord. We must worship him in the beauty of holiness, as God in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself. Glorious things are said of him, both as motives to praise and matter of praise.
Psalms 96:10-13
Bible Verses:
10Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
We are to hope and pray for that time, when Christ shall reign in righteousness over all nations. He shall rule in the hearts of men, by the power of truth, and the Spirit of righteousness. His coming draws nigh; this King, this Judge standeth before the door, but he is not yet come. The Lord will accept the praises of all who seek to promote the kingdom of Christ. The sea can but roar, and how the trees of the wood can show that they rejoice we know not; but He that searches the heart knows what is the mind of the Spirit, and understands the words, the broken language of the weakest. Christ will come to judge the earth, to execute just vengeance on his enemies, and to fulfil his largest promises to his people. What then are we? Would that day be welcome to us? If this be not our case, let us now begin to prepare to meet our God, by seeking the pardon of our sins, and the renewal of our souls to holiness.