Psalm 96
This psalm was part of the hymn sung at the translation of the ark from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David, 1 Chron. 16:1, 22-33; but relates to the calling of the Gentiles to our Redeemer. Here are, (1.) Solemn calls to ascribe praises and glory to our high and great Immanuel, ver. 1-9. (2.) Loud proclamations of Jesus’ establishment of his gospel church, and of his coming to Judge the world, to the great joy of his friends, ver. 10-13.
While these high praises of God are in my mouth, let my heart behold the glory, believe the promises, and burn with desire after the enjoyment of Christ, and of God in him.
1 O sing a new song to the Lord:
sing all the earth to God.
2 To God sing, bless his name, show still
his saving health abroad.
3 Among the heathen nations
his glory do declare;
And unto all the people show
his works that wondrous are.
4 For great’s the Lord, and greatly he
is to be magnified;
Yea, worthy to be feared is he
above all gods beside.
5 For all the gods are idols dumb,
which blinded nations fear;
But our God is the Lord, by whom
the heav’ns created were.
6 Great honor is before his face,
and majesty divine;
Strength is within his holy place,
and there doth beauty shine.
7 Do ye ascribe unto the Lord,
of people ev’ry tribe,
Glory do ye unto the Lord,
and mighty pow’r ascribe.
8 Give ye the glory to the Lord
that to his name is due;
Come ye into his courts, and bring
an offering with you.
9 In beauty of his holiness,
O do the Lord adore;
Likewise let all the earth throughout
tremble his face before.
10 Among the heathen say, God reigns;
the world shall steadfastly
Be fixed from moving; he shall judge
the people righteously.
11 Let heav’ns be glad before the Lord,
and let the earth rejoice;
Let seas, and all that is therein,
cry out, and make a noise.
12 Let fields rejoice, and ev’ry thing
that springeth of the earth:
Then woods and ev’ry tree shall sing
with gladness and with mirth
13 Before the Lord; because he comes,
to judge the earth comes he:
He’ll judge the world with righteousness,
the people faithfully.
