Psalm 96
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.
Outline
Let the Earth Be Joyful before God
Psalm 96
Sing to God with Increasing Learning
Expand your repertoire of hymns, Psalm 96:1
Be able to sing daily in testimony, Psalm 96:2
Present the music before all, Psalm 96:3
Sing to God of His Glory
God’s majesty requires praise, Psalm 96:4
God’s creation requires recognition, Psalm 96:5
God’s honor requires splendor, Psalm 96:6
Sing to God to Solicit Worship
Ask families to give God glory, Psalm 96:7
Ask families to give God offerings, Psalm 96:8
Ask families to bow to God, Psalm 96:9
Sing to God among the Heathen
God rules and judges all, Psalm 96:10
The Creation sings of God’s glory, Psalm 96:11
Land produces in praise to God, Psalm 96:12
God is coming to bring righteousness, Psalm 96:13
Photo
Learning to Sing Is Valuable and Fun
Sermon
Let the Earth Be Joyful before God
Psalm 96
By Pastor Clinton Macomber
This segment of Psalms was collected and compiled with the themes of Numbers in mind. There the people were counted and organized before they were to enter the land of Promise, but they rebelled against God, and as a result suffered by God waiting until almost all the adults were dead, before fulfilling the promises to enter the land.
The theme of the psalms has been the importance of singing holy hymns and psalms at all times to make sure the heart and mind are kept on track and do not become weighted down with evil and improper thoughts and actions.
The specific theme of this psalm is the importance of the whole earth learning to sing songs of worship and our obligation as believers to reach the ears of the earth, beginning at home and in our own community.
This Psalm has the unusual history given to us in I Chronicles 16. There David brought the Ark of the Covenant to the tent he had prepared, and all Israel assembled to worship. Not only did David lead in the sacrifices, but he gave everyone present, both men and women a loaf of bread, a good sized portion of meat, and a drink of grape juice. We also learn that this Psalm makes up the middle portion of what David presented to the musicians to sing and lead in worship. This Psalm was nestled in between Psalm 105 and 106.
Sing to God with Increasing Learning
Expand your repertoire of hymns
Psalm 96:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
It is unfortunate that today there is only a few hymns that are recognized. The holy music has been replaced by sounds of the bar, drunken, and those high on drugs. Wholesome songs and hymns have been abandoned, and in fact rejected, and the holy people of God have become silent, allowing the filth of the world to be called worship.
Part of this is because we have allowed an immoral and depraved entertainment industry to set the levels of comfort and enjoyment, and churches feel they must follow this guideline in their services. The result is entertainment instead of worship, and moaning and soul racket instead of sacred music and worship.
One fellow that plays the piano said that the reason people do not know how to really play the piano is because they are not disciplined enough to do so. This same problem follows all of sacred music. The piano is a basic instrument of worship, being based on an easier and expanded method of using the harp. When the bulk of people do not know how to read music, or even how to pick out the notes on a piano, they are unable to properly sing praises to God.
The point is that sacred music is something that requires years of persistent and continual effort to just begin to master the basic elements. Then, the rest of a person’s life has to be spent in increasing in experience and practice in order to maintain what was learned and to continually expand on an ability.
The instruction that this psalm begins with is very simple. Learn a new hymn a day and keep the devil away! Unless we are busy digging up the holy music that gets “forgotten” and abandoned, we will never expand our spiritual depth, and will become stunted children of God. It is imperative that we work on music every day, and work on learning new pieces each day. Getting stuck on a few common hymns is sad, and demonstrates a lack of a desire to prepare for eternity. Many think they will automatically know all that there is to know once they pass from this earth, but this ignores that fact that we are in training for heaven now, and rewards are given based on how broad our spiritual life was expanded while on the earth. Now putting forth effort every day to learn more of God and His Word, the songs and hymns of worship, and the fellowship of saints is nothing short of throwing away our spiritual life, and being only saved by the skin of our teeth.
It has been demonstrated that a new song is usually connected with a new victory.[1] Frankly, we are at war with sin, ourselves and the devil. As we follow along with Christ, there are new victories that He gives each day. These are new mercies given us each morning, thus there are new things to sing praises to God about each day. So even though the hymn may be ancient, the new occasion requires we bring it out and sing it again!
Be able to sing daily in testimony
Psalm 96:2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
Singing to God is to be done daily. Our testimony is to be presented daily in song. When was the last time you sang a hymn from the heart, using it as a testimony to others? Are you saved? Do you tell others of your salvation? Do you sing to God before them, or are you a “secret” Christian, and so not conformed to the image of God? Is your life held in God, or held by worry of what people will think of you? If you are worried about honoring God and losing face among your friends, you are not among God’s people, and need to separate immediately. Bless the name of the Lord.
Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Present the music before all
Psalm 96:3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
This is a powerful instruction, and explains how we are to witness to others. We are to talk of the Glory of God among the unsaved, and among all nationalities. The best way to do this is to sing continually when among the heathen. Anyone that is willing to sing in public is one who will be heard. When a person has a song that they are singing distinctly and clearly, with a holy melody, people will stop and listen. They may berate and mock, but the impression is made, and it is a lasting impression. Most will do nothing at all, but listen. The Holy Spirit might then be able to begin a work, by this fleeting contact and witness.
Psalm 117 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. 2For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48And ye are witnesses of these things.
Sing to God of His Glory
God’s majesty requires praise
Psalm 96:4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
God is above all things and must as such hold honor above all. There is a danger today in that people are told to always complement others, even if there is really nothing to complement. This attitude results in praise of mankind, and making mankind idols, and leaves very little, or no praise at all, for God.
Not only is He to be praised above all mankind, He is to be respected and feared above all things. Fear of people, their opinions, their acceptance, or their money is making them an idol. We are to fear God, and God alone. Now God teaches that He will hold us accountable for obedience to the powers of Government, and we must obey them or suffer the consequences from them. However, not even a holy respect for government power should impact our duty and fear to God alone.
How are we in the praise of God department? Does He get the appropriate amount of praise when compared with the words that we say?
God’s creation requires recognition
Psalm 96:5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
This is a measurement of worship. Is it idolatry or worship? Is it patterned after heathen forms, or is it holy and only what Saints would do? What is directing our words and singing? Is it the standards of the word, what is popular, what we feel like singing, or is it holy and unadulterated, and something that requires skill to do?
The danger of idolatry in music is very great, and it has exposed those that espouse heresy. Where there is false doctrine, the music is going to be unholy, sensual, and without God’s approval. In examining the Scriptures on idolatry, one person concluded in part:
1) We must be people of the Word, living in trust and submission to the Bible. This shapes our character and it equips us each to be like the “noble Bereans” (see Acts 17:10–12).
2) Just like the texts, but distinct from them, music used in worship must meet biblical standards of excellence: creativity, beauty, and craftsmanship.
3) As servants of the Word, we may have to say “no” to performing, in worship, some musical expressions that as musicians we would like.[2]
God’s honor requires splendor
Psalm 96:6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
There is no way that mankind can build something that would honor God, who created the beauty of the universe. There is no way that someone could make something adequate to house God, unless God did so Himself.
The reason a made structure cannot be made to house God, is because God is a Spirit, and His covering is His honor, majesty, strength and beauty. God is a Spiritual being and not limited to physical time or space. His clothing is His character and attributes.
Sing to God to Solicit Worship
Ask families to give God glory
Psalm 96:7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
What is it that God wants? He simply wants what is His due, and that is glory from His creation. He wants our praise to involve our uttermost abilities and strength. Our bodies come from God and are given the vitality and energy to be holy and to honor Him. This is our purpose and duty. We cannot find happiness until we are ready to honor and serve God more than ourselves.
So the first step in reaching others for the Lord and in witnessing is to give God glory and our strength. Then we call on others to join and do the same from all nationalities.
Ask families to give God offerings
Psalm 96:8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
The next step in worship is to continue giving God the glory that is appropriate and due to Him, but also to find an offering to bring to His courts. God does not want anyone to come before Him empty handed, because everything we have comes from Him. He always gives more than we need so we will first honor Him and not horde what He gives, but use it appropriately. Responsibility to God comes first, and when we learn to honor Him first, He takes note that we do, and will reward us later in heaven. Dishonoring God by refusing to honor Him with the glory due Him, and then adding to this rebellious attitude by not bringing a gift to God’s work is proof of a heart that has not been cleansed or converted.
Ask families to bow to God
Psalm 96:9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
Here is an aspect that is a frightening prospect. If Christians do not come properly before God, with a reverence and holy respect for God, that puts themselves last, how will the heathen ever learn to respect and fear God? The bulk of those who claim to be “Christians” are ungodly to the core. They do not study God’s Word, they do not worship God, they refuse to have a personal relationship with God and follow His Word. Can such a one as this witness to others? Are such people able to “bring” people to Christ? I fear it is not Christ they are brought to, but some organization that wants the person’s pocketbook.
God did not set up religious denominations and organizations. Heathen “Christians” did. The problem with an organism is that it will devour whatever it can to sustain its own life and systems. It will cast away any that dare to open Scripture and teach what Scripture actually says, because it views such practices as harmful to the organization. As such, meetings in an organization are only to sustain the organization. Those given the authority to speak on behalf of the organization can only speak the organization’s doctrine, and offer the organization’s practices and procedures. Automatically, God is only a business term. Worship is only to drain money from those in attendance. Services are designed around making people do what the organization wants instead of God.
In order to worship God in the beauty of Holiness, one has to leave the dark halls of the many organizations that abound and learn to walk humbly and often alone with God. Only such people are able to truly witness for God, because they will bring people to God, and not an organization, or association. The person will be converted to find hope in God and not in the wishes of an organization that wishes to control him from that day forward.
Sing to God among the Heathen
God rules and judges all
Psalm 96:10 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 way to witness to the heathen is to sing about God’s reign over all. This is sure to penetrate their hard hearts and to cause them to realize they need to consider the path they have taken. Singing about it to them is a means of letting them think without having to argue and get more set in their waywardness.
Furthermore, we need to sing of the fact that Christ is going to establish this world in a way that nothing can or will change things. It will be a permanent kingdom of righteousness and holiness. People will no longer be able to think they can get away with sin, because righteousness will rule and reign on the earth.
The Creation sings of God’s glory
Psalm 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
The exciting thing about God’s reign is that the creation will rejoice. We find that they are groaning and in pain waiting for the day of redemption from the effects of sin.
Romans 8:22-23 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
The Heavens will rejoice when the Devil is “grounded” to the earth.
Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Once the Devil is then removed from the earth, and finally incarcerated, the earth and sea will rejoice as well!
Revelation 19:5-6 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Land produces in praise to God
Psalm 96:12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
This will be an incredible time, and it is described in the Prophets:
Isaiah 55:12-13 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
God is coming to bring righteousness
Psalm 96:13 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.
This is the glorious time we all look forward to with groanings that cannot be uttered! When we learn to abide faithfully here, we will be part of that kingdom and power. But to begin to prepare for that great day, we need to be able to sing about it now, and before others as a witness and testimony of our faith and hope! Are we ready?
Footnotes (click on number to return to place in text)
[1] Tremper Longman III. “The Divine Warrior: The New Testament Use of an Old Testament Motif.” Westminster Theological Journal (Westminster Theological Seminary, 1982; 2002). Vol. 44, p. 300.
[2] Charles D. King. “Musical Idolatry: Non Nobis.” Reformation and Revival (Reformation and Revival Ministries, 1998; 2003). Vol. 7, No. 3, p.136.
Topic Study
New things in Scripture
By Pastor Clinton Macomber
A fresh king of a line of kings is a “new” king
Exodus 1:8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
A harvest of fresh grains is a “new” harvest
Leviticus 23:16 16Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
A house that has just been constructed is a “new” house
Deuteronomy 20:5 And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.
A marriage is made with a “new” woman
Deuteronomy 24:5 When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.
Switching to another religion is to a “new” idol or god
Deuteronomy 32:17 They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
An unused cord is a “new” cord
Joshua 9:13 And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.
A newly learned song is a “new” song
Psalm 96:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
The renewed heavens and earth are called “new”
Isaiah 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.
God’s mercy is presented daily as “new”
Lamentations 3:22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
A converted heart is a “new” heart
Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Due to the American Industrial revolution against the quite farm lifestyle, Americans have a warped sense of what is new. They consider anything new as something that is in an unopened box, something unused, and never touched by anyone else but themselves. This is completely contrary to a Biblical lifestyle. Anything is new when you receive it and you did not have it before. Clothing used to be something that people handled with great pride and care, and it was an honor to pass down dresses from generation to generation. Each generation considered this gift as a “new” dress, because it is new to their life, and precious. The fact that is was “old” did not matter, and if nothing else being a “hand me down” added to the preciousness of the “new” item.
Quote
Psalm 96:10
by Frederick Brotherton Meyer, Our Daily Homily
(Redding, CA: Pleasant Places Press, 2004). Vol. 3 page 96.
Say among the nations, The Lord reigneth.
Tell it out! The message is too good to warrant silence. That the Lord is King is the secret of jubilation and blessing for all the world.
Nature is glad, because his rule will emancipate her from the thralldom under which she has groaned too long. When the kingdom is established in the hand of the Son of Man, the long travail of creation will be over; the new heavens and earth will have emerged. Therefore the psalmist depicts the outburst of thanksgiving from seas, and fields, and trees. The world of men may be glad also, because the reign of Jesus means equity for the oppressed, equal-handed justice for the poor, peace among the nations.
But, above all, gladness becomes the saints. It the Lord Jesus has become King of your heart, and has brought blessing to you, do not hesitate to give voice to your allegiance. In private, sing unto Him a new song; in public, show forth his salvation, and declare his glory. Tell it out, tell it out! Have you ever seriously considered whether it may not be God’s will for you to give up your life to going forth to distant lands, to tell it out that God has made Jesus King, and that He must reign, and that his reign is blessedness?
Probably but a very brief interval remains, during which we can tell it out. Human history has well-nigh fulfilled its six working-days, and approaches its millennial rest; the times of the Gentiles, according to every computation, are nearly fulfilled; the lawlessness, which was to mark the last days, is conspicuously manifest; the bride is rapidly completing her preparation for the marriage-feast—haste then, O heralds of Salvation, prepare in the deserts a highway for our God!
Devotions
Psalm 96 Every Day with Jesus
Monday, Psalm 96:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 14:1-7
It is very easy to get caught up in things that are strange and so useless in praise of God. While we need to learn hymns and Psalter numbers that are new to us, learning them in some foreign language or with some foreign and strange sound is not edifying to ourselves or those that listen. Instead they are only for vain glory. However, if ministering to those of foreign languages, it is appropriate to learn to sing in their language to help them on their way spiritually. It is in this way that it is profitable to learn other languages, so we can teach foreigners how to sing praises to God with understanding.
Tuesday, Psalm 96:3-4 and 1 Corinthians 14:8-14
In order to witness to others, we often have to learn to communicate in their language, trying to stay on the holy side of their vocabulary. This is strictly a means whereby we are able to show forth God’s praises among the heathen, and does not mean we will be edified ourselves while attempting to speak in their language, and to sing in their language. It is strictly a gift to them to help them learn to pray, sing and worship God appropriately.
Wednesday, Psalm 96:5-6 and 1 Corinthians 14:15-21
If one was to sum up all the worship that is done in Latin, Greek, Russian, etc., among those that only speak English, it would amount to nothing more than babbling. Furthermore, babbling in worship is just that, baby talk, and it is totally meaningless. The point is that in order for all nations to be able to learn to worship God, they need to be reached in their own mother tongue. Their worship services must be conducted in a way that enables them to learn about God and to grow spiritually. Furthermore, in order for them to be reached, it takes God’s people who will make an effort to learn other languages and so be able to speak appropriately the Word of God.
Thursday, Psalm 96:7-8 and 1 Corinthians 14:22-28
In order for there to be worship of God, there must be order and structure. If all families of the earth are going to worship, the only value is if all those present can understand what is being said. Hence there must be an interpreter. Singing is unique, because when a melody is heard, and when those present know the song in their own language, they can understand the translations, and so be edified while foreigners are singing. However, when preaching is being done, there must be an interpreter, and the amount of foreign languages must be kept to two or three.
Friday, Psalm 96:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 14:29-33
The Psalm calls for worship among all nations, and so among all languages. The book of Corinthians reminds how important order is in worship. When two or more people talk at once there is confusion, and God does not author such. Instead there has to be structure in all the assemblies of the saints. For there to be learning, there has to be understanding, and if foreign languages are involved, various translations must be made of what is said. In this way there can be harmony, order, and a profitable time for all. Music must follow a similar format if it is to be of worship, and for the hearers to be edified.
Saturday, Psalm 96:11-13 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-40
Worship is broader than just human speech. It also incorporates the sounds of the birds, the sea, and the sky. However mixing all these elements together does not make an orderly worship service. The lesson learned is that there is an order to worship. Only those qualified to speak publicly should speak. Any learning and teaching of the family should be done at home, giving the father reason to learn and purpose.
Puzzle
| M | G | L | O | R | Y | R | O | A | R | Y | J | O | V |
| F | H | O | N | O | U | R | H | S | L | K | P | P | B |
| L | E | A | R | T | H | T | D | S | I | I | I | E | A |
| J | N | W | W | V | E | E | U | M | Y | N | A | F | Y |
| J | P | O | O | N | S | O | R | T | I | U | G | U | F |
| G | O | L | G | R | E | D | S | O | T | K | U | L | E |
| D | N | I | S | T | L | E | E | Y | F | T | M | N | C |
| C | E | I | H | D | J | D | C | S | S | E | I | E | I |
| R | J | G | R | A | E | O | R | N | I | F | B | S | O |
| G | I | U | M | E | M | R | E | J | A | A | R | S | J |
| R | I | J | D | E | F | V | D | V | U | M | R | M | E |
| S | P | V | T | G | A | F | G | N | D | K | O | P | R |
| B | S | H | E | E | E | C | O | J | I | B | G | N | N |
| J | Y | N | H | E | S | D | O | G | K | K | O | R | G |
| AMONG | GODS | REIGNETH |
| BEAUTY | HEAVENS | REJOICE |
| BEFORE | HONOUR | RIGHTEOUSLY |
| COMETH | JUDGE | ROAR |
| EARTH | KINDREDS | SING |
| FULNESS | MAJESTY | WOOD |
| GIVE | OFFERING | WORLD |
| GLORY | PRAISED |
The Puzzle solution is found here....
