Psalm Ninety Six
by Dr. Henry M. Morris
(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)
Psalm 96:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
new song. This is the third of six references in the Psalms to a “new song” (see also Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1).
Psalm 96:2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; show forth his salvation from day to day.
Psalm 96:3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
Psalm 96:4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
Psalm 96:5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
gods. The name “God” (elohim) is the same as “gods” in the Hebrew, where the context determines which is the meaning in a given verse. However, all other “gods” than the true Godwhether Baal of the ancient Phoenicians or Darwin of the modern Darwinians or whatever pantheistic “god” may be fashionable in a given time and placeare nothing but idols (that is, “vanities”). The true God of creation, Jehovah, is the one who made the universe. All other “gods” are mere anthropomorphisms, or personifications of the forces and systems of nature. If men will not worship the true God of creation, then they must worship His creation (Romans 1:25), assuming some form of evolution as the “creator” of all things.
Psalm 96:6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Psalm 96:7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Psalm 96:9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
not be moved. See note on Psalm 93:1.
earth be glad. The heavens, earth, sea, fields and trees (Psalm 96:12) will join all nature in rejoicing when the Lord finally comes (Psalm 96:13) to remove their curse.