Praise To God.

PRAISE TO GOD.

Psalm 96:1-9.

1. Creation.

The Psalmist exhorts the earth to sing a new song to the LORD (PSALM 96:1). What is that new song? It is an acknowledgement that ‘the LORD reigns’ (cf. Psalm 96:10).

That acknowledgement is based retrospectively in the realities of the creation (PSALM 96:5), to which the heavens already testify (cf. Psalm 19:1-3). It is based in our present salvation (PSALM 96:2).

The earth is instructed to declare the glory of the LORD to the nations, and His wonders among all peoples (PSALM 96:3). The fulfilment of this command is what leaves men - even those who have never heard of our Lord Jesus Christ -without excuse (cf. Romans 1:18-20). What an incentive to the church to join creation in the task of evangelism (cf. Romans 10:14-15)!

2. The glory of the LORD.

The Psalmist declares the greatness of the LORD (PSALM 96:4). He is to be revered above all other “gods” because the so-called “gods” of the peoples are nothing but dumb idols (PSALM 96:5). It is the LORD who made the heavens (this is still being addressed to the earth): and He alone is attended by the attributes of Honour and Majesty, Strength and Beauty (PSALM 96:6).

The Psalmist exhorts all families of the peoples, all clans, to ascribe to the LORD the glory and honour due to His name (PSALM 96:7-8). This was perhaps partially fulfilled when the Gospel went forth from Jerusalem after Pentecost (cf. Acts 1:8), but the prophets envisage all nations one day coming to Jerusalem to worship the LORD (cf. Isaiah 2:2-3; Micah 4:1-2; Zechariah 14:16). The earth is again exhorted to worship the LORD, this time in the splendour of His holiness (PSALM 96:9).