King James Version
Psalm 96
Gathering all nations and nature into a chorus of praise, this vibrant psalm calls for a new song of honor and gladness. It contrasts the emptiness of silent idols with the living majesty that made the heavens, calling fields, trees, and roaring seas to celebrate a righteous judgment. Included among the royal enthronement psalms of Book IV in the Psalter, the text anticipates a world governed by truth and equity. Universal joy springs from moral governance across creation. The exuberant opening line sounds the call: "O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth."
1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
10 Say 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.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13 Before 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.
GO DEEPER
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