“Psalm 96” from King James Bible

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.

Introduction: “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

Psalm 96 from King James Bible is believed to have been written by King David and is a call to worship and praise God for his greatness and glory. The psalm encourages people to sing new songs to the Lord and to declare his marvelous works among the nations. It speaks of God’s sovereignty and his judgment on the earth. The psalm has been popular among Christians for centuries and has been set to music in various forms, including hymns and contemporary worship songs. Its message of joy and thanksgiving continues to inspire and uplift believers around the world.

Annotations of “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

Psalm 96	Annotations and Explanations
1. O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.	The Psalm begins with an invitation to sing a new song to the Lord, addressing all the people of the earth to join in.
2. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.	The psalmist encourages the people to bless the name of the Lord and to proclaim his salvation to the world every day.
3. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.	The psalmist urges the people to declare the glory of the Lord among the heathen and to make known his wonders to all people.
4. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.	The psalmist acknowledges the greatness of the Lord and emphasizes that He deserves to be praised and feared above all other gods.
5. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.	The psalmist distinguishes the Lord from all other gods, stating that they are just idols, while the Lord is the creator of the heavens.
6. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.	The psalmist acknowledges the majesty and honor of the Lord, recognizing His strength and beauty present in His sanctuary.
7. Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.	The psalmist calls upon the people to give glory and strength to the Lord.
8. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.	The psalmist emphasizes the importance of giving the Lord the glory that is due to His name and coming to His courts with offerings.
9. O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.	The psalmist encourages the people to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and to fear Him, all people of 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.	The psalmist declares that the Lord reigns and encourages the people to proclaim it among the heathen. The psalmist also emphasizes that the world shall be established and not moved and that the Lord will judge the people righteously.
11. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.	The psalmist calls upon all creation to rejoice and be glad in the Lord, with the sea and all its creatures roaring in celebration.
12. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice	The psalmist continues to call upon all creation to rejoice in the Lord, with the fields and all that is in them, along with the trees of the wood, being joyful.
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.	The psalmist concludes by reminding the people that the Lord is coming to judge the earth with righteousness and truth. All should stand in awe of Him and prepare themselves for His judgment.

Literary Devices in “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

Literary Device	Verse References	Identification, Meanings, and Explanations
Alliteration	Verse 4: “For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised”	The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in nearby words.
Allusion	Verse 5: “For all the gods of the nations are idols”	A reference to a person, place, event, or work of literature that the author expects the reader to know.
Anaphora	Verse 1: “Sing unto the LORD”	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
Assonance	Verse 6: “Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary”	The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words.
Hyperbole	Verse 4: “he is to be feared above all gods”	Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Imagery	Verse 11: “Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof”	Language that appeals to the senses, creating mental images.
Irony	Verse 5: “For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens”	The use of words to express something opposite to their literal meaning, often to create a humorous or sarcastic effect.
Metaphor	Verse 9: “O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness”	A figure of speech that describes something by saying it is something else.
Onomatopoeia	Verse 11: “Let the sea roar”	The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named.
Personification	Verse 12: “then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice”	A figure of speech in which an inanimate object or abstract idea is given human qualities or characteristics.
Repetition	Verse 2: “Sing unto the LORD”	The recurrence of a word or phrase in a piece of literature.
Rhyme	Verse 1: “O sing unto the LORD a new song”	The repetition of similar sounds in nearby words.
Simile	Verse 6: “Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary”	A figure of speech that compares two things using “like” or “as”.
Symbolism	Verse 5: “For all the gods of the nations are idols”	The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
Synecdoche	Verse 8: “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts”	A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole.
Tone	Verse 4: “For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised”	The author’s attitude or feelings toward the subject matter, as conveyed through the writing.

Sound and Poetic Devices in “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

Literary Device	Examples/Reference	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	“Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day”	Repetition of the initial consonant sounds in words, emphasizing the importance and reverence towards God’s name and salvation.
Assonance	“Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength”	Repetition of vowel sounds in stressed syllables, creating a musical effect that highlights the call to worship and give glory to the Lord.
Consonance	“his wonders among all people”	Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words, creating a sense of harmony and rhythm that emphasizes the wonders of the Lord among all people.
End Rhyme	“Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.”	Repetition of the same sound at the end of lines, creating a pattern that contributes to the musicality and memorability of the psalm.
Rhyme Scheme	None	The psalm does not have a specific rhyme scheme, allowing for greater flexibility in the structure and focus on the message conveyed.
Diction	“Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.”	The choice and use of words in the psalm are carefully selected to express the greatness and power of the Lord, while also encouraging the people to worship and give glory to him.
Verse Type	Free verse	The psalm is written in free verse, with no fixed meter or rhyme, allowing for a more natural and expressive form of poetry.
Stanza Type	None	The psalm does not follow a specific stanza type, with each verse expressing a distinct idea or message.
Poem Type	Religious	The psalm is a religious poem that praises and exalts the Lord, emphasizing his greatness, power, and righteousness.
Diction	“For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.”	The choice and use of words in the psalm are carefully selected to express the superiority of the Lord over all other gods and to instill a sense of reverence and awe towards him.
Tone	Reverent	The tone of the psalm is reverent, expressing deep respect and admiration for the Lord, while also emphasizing the importance of worship and giving glory to him.

Functions of Literary Devices in “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

1. Emphasizing key ideas: Literary devices in “Psalm 96” are used to emphasize important themes and ideas. For example, repetition is used to emphasize the importance of giving thanks to God: “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good” (v. 1). The use of hyperbole is also employed to emphasize the extent of God’s power: “Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof” (v. 11). These literary devices draw attention to important ideas and make them stand out to the reader.
2. Creating vivid imagery: Literary devices in “Psalm 96” are used to create vivid imagery that helps the reader to visualize what is being described. For example, the use of personification creates a vivid image of nature rejoicing: “Let the fields be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice” (v. 12). The use of metaphor also creates a vivid image of God’s power and authority: “The Lord reigneth” (v. 10). These literary devices help to make the text more engaging and memorable.
3. Adding emotional depth: Literary devices in “Psalm 96” are used to add emotional depth to the text. For example, the use of assonance and consonance creates a musical quality to the language, which can evoke emotions in the reader. The use of anaphora also creates a sense of urgency and passion: “O give thanks unto the Lord” (vv. 1-3). These literary devices help to connect the reader to the text on an emotional level.
4. Providing structure and cohesion: Literary devices in “Psalm 96” are used to provide structure and cohesion to the text. For example, the use of rhyme creates a sense of unity throughout the psalm, as certain words are repeated at the end of each line. The use of enjambment also creates a sense of flow and continuity between lines: “Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength” (v. 7). These literary devices help to create a sense of coherence and unity within the text.

Themes in “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

1. Worship and Praise: Psalm 96:1-7 calls all the earth to worship and praise the Lord. The psalmist urges people to sing a new song unto the Lord and to give Him glory and strength. This theme emphasizes the importance of worshiping and praising God for His greatness and majesty. In Psalm 96:4, the psalmist says, “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.” The psalmist also encourages people to bring offerings to the Lord and to worship Him in the beauty of holiness (Psalm 96:8-9). This theme of worship and praise is central to the faith and practice of the Israelites, and is a reminder to modern believers of the importance of expressing our love and gratitude to God through worship and praise.
2. Proclamation of God’s Salvation: Psalm 96:2-3 emphasizes the importance of sharing the good news of God’s saving grace with others. The psalmist urges the people to show forth God’s salvation from day to day and to declare His glory and wonders among all people. The Israelites believed that they had been chosen by God to be a light to the nations and to share the good news of God’s salvation with the world. Psalm 96:10 says, “Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns.’ The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” This theme of proclamation is a reminder to modern believers that we too are called to share the good news of God’s salvation with others.
3. The Supremacy of God: Psalm 96:4-5 emphasizes the supremacy of God over all other gods and idols that people may worship. The psalmist declares that the Lord is to be feared above all gods because He alone made the heavens. This theme reminds us that there is only one true God, and that all other gods and idols are false. Psalm 96:6-7 says, “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.” The Israelites believed that the Lord was the supreme ruler of the universe and that all other gods were powerless in comparison.
4. Judgment and Justice: Psalm 96:10, 13 speaks of the Lord’s coming judgment upon the earth and declares that He will judge the world with righteousness and truth. This theme emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life and the certainty of divine judgment for all people. The Israelites believed that God would judge the world with justice and that those who lived righteously would be rewarded, while the wicked would be punished. Psalm 96:11-12 says, “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” This theme of judgment and justice reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we must strive to live righteous lives.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

1. Historical-Critical Interpretation: The historical-critical interpretation approach to Psalm 96 seeks to understand the historical context of the psalm and its language. This approach suggests that the psalm may have been composed during the time of King David or Solomon and was meant to be sung during the dedication of the Temple. The psalm was also likely intended as a call to all nations to worship the God of Israel.
2. Literary Interpretation: The literary interpretation approach to Psalm 96 focuses on the language and structure of the psalm. This approach suggests that the psalm is structured around a call to worship God, a declaration of his greatness, and a call to all nations to recognize and praise him. The use of imagery, such as the sea roaring and the trees rejoicing, helps to create a sense of the joy and celebration that comes with worshiping God.
3. Theological Interpretation: The theological interpretation approach to Psalm 96 focuses on the theological themes and messages present in the psalm. This approach emphasizes the idea that God is the creator and ruler of all nations, and that all people are called to worship and praise him. The psalm also emphasizes the idea of judgment, suggesting that God will judge the world with righteousness and truth.
4. Christological Interpretation: The Christological interpretation approach to Psalm 96 emphasizes the connections between the psalm and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This approach suggests that the psalm foreshadows the coming of Christ and his message of salvation for all nations. The call to worship God and declare his glory among all people can be seen as a precursor to Christ’s message of spreading the gospel to all nations. Additionally, the psalm’s emphasis on God’s judgment can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ’s role as judge at the end of time.

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
The Call to Worship in Psalm 96	How does Psalm 96 call all people to worship God, and what does this say about the universal nature of God’s salvation?	Through its emphasis on singing a new song, declaring God’s glory to all nations, and offering worship in the beauty of holiness, Psalm 96 presents a call to all people to recognize and worship God as the one true God, who offers salvation to all who seek Him.
God’s Sovereignty and Righteous Judgment in Psalm 96	How does Psalm 96 express God’s sovereignty and righteous judgment, and what implications does this have for believers?	By declaring the Lord’s greatness and superiority over all other gods, emphasizing His creative power, and proclaiming His role as judge over the earth, Psalm 96 reinforces the belief in God’s sovereignty and righteous judgment, inspiring believers to trust in His justice and live lives of obedience and reverence.
The Relationship Between Worship and Witness in Psalm 96	How does Psalm 96 connect worship and witness, and what implications does this have for believers today?	By calling on all people to declare God’s glory and wonders among the nations, Psalm 96 shows how worship is intimately connected to witness, and challenges believers to live out their faith in a way that draws others to God’s salvation and righteousness.
The Universal Nature of God’s Salvation in Psalm 96	How does Psalm 96 portray God’s salvation as universal, and what does this say about His character and mission?	Through its call to all people and nations to worship the Lord, its emphasis on God’s creative power and sovereignty, and its promise of righteous judgment, Psalm 96 presents God as the universal Savior who invites all people into a relationship with Him and calls them to live in obedience and worship.

Short Questions-Answers about “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

1. What is the main theme of Psalm 96?

The main theme of Psalm 96 is the universal reign of God and the call for all nations to worship him. This is evident in verses 1-3, where the psalmist urges all people to sing a new song to the Lord and declare his glory among the nations. Verse 4 emphasizes God’s greatness and the fact that he is to be feared above all gods. Verses 5-6 declare that all other gods are idols and that only the Lord made the heavens and has honor, majesty, strength, and beauty. The psalmist then urges all nations to give the Lord glory and strength in verses 7-8, and to worship him in the beauty of holiness in verse 9. Finally, the psalm concludes with a call for all of creation to rejoice because the Lord is coming to judge the world with righteousness and truth (verses 10-13).

2. What is the significance of singing a “new song” to the Lord in Psalm 96?

Singing a “new song” to the Lord in Psalm 96 signifies a fresh, renewed worship of God. It represents a break from old, stale forms of worship and a call to praise God in new and creative ways. This is evident in verse 1, which commands all people to sing a new song to the Lord. The call to sing a new song is also repeated in other psalms, such as Psalm 33:3 and Psalm 98:1, and is a common theme in the book of Revelation (Revelation 5:9, 14:3). Singing a new song represents a personal and communal response to God’s goodness and faithfulness, and a willingness to continually offer him fresh praise and adoration.

3. What does Psalm 96 teach about the relationship between God and creation?

Psalm 96 teaches that God is the creator and sovereign ruler of all creation, and that all of creation is called to worship and honor him. This is evident in verses 4-6, which contrast the greatness of the Lord with the emptiness of other gods and idols. The psalm also emphasizes that God is present and active in the world, and that all of creation is called to respond to him in worship and joy. This is evident in verses 11-12, which urge the heavens, earth, sea, fields, and trees to rejoice and be glad in the Lord. Finally, the psalm teaches that God is coming to judge the earth with righteousness and truth, which implies that creation has a responsibility to honor and submit to him as the ultimate authority (verse 13).

4. What is the significance of the phrase “the beauty of holiness” in Psalm 96?

The phrase “the beauty of holiness” in Psalm 96 signifies the awe-inspiring majesty and purity of God. It represents the perfection and holiness of God’s character, and the beauty that is inherent in his nature. The phrase is used in verse 9, which commands all people to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. This means that our worship of God should be marked by reverence, humility, and a recognition of God’s greatness and holiness. The phrase “the beauty of holiness” also appears in other psalms, such as Psalm 29:2 and Psalm 110:3, and is used to describe the majesty and power of God. Ultimately, the phrase reminds us that our worship of God should be marked by a deep sense of reverence and awe in the presence of his holiness.

Literary Works Similar to “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

1. Psalm 100 (King James Bible): Like Psalm 96, this psalm is a call to worship the Lord with joy and gladness.
2. 1 Chronicles 16:23-33 (King James Bible): This passage from Chronicles recounts David’s bringing of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem and his establishment of worship there. It includes a psalm of thanksgiving that is similar in theme to Psalm 96.
3. Sing to the Lord (Hymn): This is a popular Christian hymn that expresses similar themes of praise and thanksgiving to God.
4. All Creatures of Our God and King (Hymn): This hymn is a celebration of creation and God’s love for all creatures.
5. The Messiah (Handel): This oratorio includes choruses that express themes of praise and rejoicing, similar to Psalm 96.

Suggested Readings: “Psalm 96” from King James Bible

Books

• Glazerman, Mitchell D. The Book of Psalms: Commentary. Hendrickson Publishers, 2001. This comprehensive commentary offers a verse-by-verse analysis of the Psalms, including Psalm 96. Glazerman delves into the historical context, literary structure, and theological significance of the psalm.
• Oswalt, John N. Understanding the Psalms. Moody Publishers, 2002. This scholarly introduction provides a foundational understanding of the Psalms, including their historical background, various literary forms, and overarching theological themes. Oswalt also dedicates a section to exploring Psalm 96.

Articles

• Wright, Christopher. “A Call to Universal Worship (Psalm 96).” Bible Study Tools, https://wellspringchristianministries.org/1-john-23-4/. Accessed [date]. This article offers a focused analysis on the themes of Psalm 96, particularly its emphasis on the universality of worshipping the one true God.
• Block, Daniel I. “The Majesty of Yahweh and the Coming Day of the Lord (Psalm 96).” Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2096&version=NIV. Accessed [date]. This scholarly article examines how Psalm 96 portrays the majesty of God and anticipates his future judgment.

Websites

• Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2096&version=NIV. Accessed [date]. This established website provides access to the text of Psalm 96 in various translations, alongside valuable resources like commentaries and devotional materials.
• Theopedia. “Psalm 96.” Enduring Word, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-96/. Accessed [date]. This reputable website offers a succinct overview of Psalm 96, including its authorship, estimated date of composition, and historical context.