Psalm 96

Sing to the King of justice

We’re singing a new song

1Let’s sing a new song to the LORD.
Everyone on earth, sing along.
2Sing to the LORD
Thank him for who he is. [1]
Tell everyone how he saved us.
Never stop telling that story.
3Tell people everywhere how awesome he is,
And about the wonderful things he has done.
4The LORD is great.
He deserves great praise.
He should get more respect than any god.
5The other gods are idols, handmade.
But what the LORD made fills the sky.
6Wherever he goes,
Majesty and honor go with him.
When he comes to his Temple,
He brings beauty and strength.

Get happy; justice is coming

7Give the LORD credit, people.
Give the LORD credit for being glorious and strong.
8Give the LORD credit for who he is.
Show him respect when you come to the Temple.
9Worship the LORD with complete devotion. [2]
Everyone, take him seriously and tremble with respect.
10Spread the word, “The LORD is king.
The world he made is here to stay.
Nothing will change that now.
He’ll bring justice to the world.”
11So someone tell heaven to celebrate.
People on earth, let your joy loose.
May the sea roar with delight,
And every wet critter in her belly
Join the thundering cheer.
12May fields and farmland get excited
With everything they hold.
Then trees of the forest will burst into song.
13It’s all for the LORD
Because he’s coming.
He’s coming to bring justice to earth.
He’ll judge the world fairly,
And he’ll judge the people honestly.

Footnotes

Intro Notes for Psalms

Intro Notes for Book 4 of 5 in Psalms

196:2

More literally, “bless his name.”

296:9

More literally, “in holiness,” “dressed in holiness,” or “in the splendor of holiness.” In Jewish law, objects used in worship at the Jerusalem Temple were ritually washed and considered holy because they were devoted to worship use alone. They could not be used for anything else. People were considered holy not because they were perfectly behaved. They were holy because they belonged to God and were devoted to him. New Testament writers pointed to Jesus as the source of holiness: “With just one sacrifice, Christ made God’s people holy. Those people devoted to God are now perfectly free of sin and guilt, forever” (Hebrews 10:14).