Psalms 96:1-13
The chapter calls on all nations to sing a new song to God, praising His greatness and majesty. It emphasizes that God is above all other gods and idols, and that He should be feared and worshiped in beauty and holiness. The chapter concludes with the declaration that God will judge the world with righteousness and truth.
This chapter is a key part of the Psalms' call to universal worship and recognition of God's sovereignty, which has been influential in shaping Christian hymnody and liturgy.
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.
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.