Psalm 96:1-13
Declare His Glory
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 wonders 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.
Berean Standard Bible
The earth is called to sing a new song and proclaim God's salvation day after day. His glory is to be declared among the nations and His wonders among all peoples. The reason is that the LORD is great and worthy of praise, while idols are worthless.
The families of the nations are invited to ascribe glory and bring an offering. Worship is public recognition that strength and splendor belong to God. The nations are not erased; they are summoned to acknowledge the true King.
The heavens rejoice, the earth is glad, and the sea resounds. The fields and trees sing because the LORD is coming to judge the earth with righteousness and faithfulness. Judgment is good news when it means creation and peoples will no longer be left under injustice.
Questions
1 What should be declared daily?
AnswerGod's salvation should be declared among the nations day after day.
2 What are idols like?
AnswerIdols are worthless, while the LORD made the heavens and possesses true glory and strength.
3 Who is called to worship?
AnswerFamilies of the nations are called to give glory, bring offerings, and worship the LORD.
4 How will God judge?
AnswerHe will judge the earth with righteousness and the peoples with faithfulness.
What This Means for Us
Declaring God's glory should never mean treating other peoples as less human. The psalm calls nations into worship, not faithful people into cultural arrogance.
Judgment can be hopeful when it promises an end to injustice. Pray for that righteousness while practicing it in the relationships and decisions you can influence.
Prayer
King of all peoples, make Your salvation known without pride or coercion. Let our household practice the righteousness and faithfulness we hope to see in Your judgment. Amen.