How often do we take time to declare God’s glory to the world?
Psalm 96 reminds us that worship is more than personal devotion—it is a call to proclaim God’s greatness to the nations, inviting all creation to join in praise.
Key Verse: “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” – Psalm 96:3 (NIV)
Background Context: Psalm 96 is a joyful and triumphant song of praise, inviting all of creation to worship God for His greatness, majesty, and sovereignty. The psalm emphasizes that God alone is worthy of worship and urges His people to declare His glory to the nations. This psalm is a call for all people, not just Israel, to recognize and worship the one true God. It reminds us that worship is not confined to the walls of the church but extends outward to the world, where we are called to proclaim God’s mighty acts to all.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
A Call to Worship the LORD the Righteous Judge.
1Sing to the LORD a new song;
Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
3Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
4For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the LORD made the heavens.
6Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name;
Bring an offering and come into His courts.
9Worship the LORD in holy attire;
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
10Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved;
He will judge the peoples with equity.”
11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
12Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
13Before the LORD, for He is coming,
For He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
And the peoples in His faithfulness.
Reflection on Psalm 96:
- A Call to Sing a New Song: Psalm 96 opens with an invitation to “sing to the Lord a new song” (Psalm 96:1). This reflects the joy and excitement that comes from experiencing God’s presence and glory. Singing a “new song” suggests freshness and renewal in our worship—it’s a response to the ongoing and ever-present work of God in our lives. As we encounter God’s grace and power, our hearts are stirred to praise Him in new and meaningful ways. This is a reminder that our worship should be alive and dynamic, continually reflecting what God is doing in our lives.
- Declare His Glory Among the Nations: One of the central themes of this psalm is the call to declare God’s glory to the nations (Psalm 96:3). Worship is not just about our personal relationship with God; it is also a witness to the world of His greatness and majesty. We are called to proclaim the “marvelous deeds” of God to everyone, so that others might come to know Him. This reminds us that evangelism and worship are intertwined—our praise is not only a response to who God is, but also a testimony to the world, inviting others to join in the worship of the true God.
- God’s Supremacy Over All Gods: Psalm 96 highlights the supremacy of God over all other gods: “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods” (Psalm 96:4). In the context of ancient Israel, many nations worshipped idols and false gods. The psalmist reminds us that the Lord alone is the Creator of the heavens, the only true God who is worthy of worship. While the “gods” of today may not be carved idols, we are still surrounded by competing allegiances and distractions. This psalm calls us to re-center our worship on God, recognizing that He alone is worthy of our praise, loyalty, and devotion.
- Creation Joins in Praise: The psalmist invites all of creation to join in the worship of God (Psalm 96:11-13). The heavens, the earth, the sea, the fields, and the trees are all called to rejoice before the Lord. This beautiful imagery reminds us that God’s glory is reflected in all of creation, and all of creation is meant to worship Him. Nature itself testifies to God’s greatness, and we are invited to join in that chorus of praise. This broadens our understanding of worship—it’s not just a human activity but something that involves all of creation in recognition of the Creator.
- The Lord Will Judge in Righteousness: The psalm closes with a declaration that the Lord is coming to judge the earth in righteousness and truth (Psalm 96:13). This brings hope and assurance, knowing that God’s judgment is not arbitrary but righteous and just. He will set all things right and establish His kingdom in truth. As we worship God, we also look forward to the day when He will return and make all things new. This is a reminder that our worship is both present and future-oriented—grounded in who God is today and in the hope of His coming kingdom.
Summary Key Points:
- A New Song of Worship: Our worship should be fresh and alive, reflecting the ongoing work of God in our lives. Singing a “new song” symbolizes a renewed heart of praise.
- Proclaim His Glory to the Nations: Worship is not just personal; it is a call to declare God’s glory and deeds to all people, inviting others to know and worship Him.
- God Alone is Worthy of Worship: God’s supremacy over all other gods reminds us that He alone deserves our loyalty and devotion. Nothing in this world should take His place in our hearts.
- Creation’s Role in Worship: All of creation is called to join in the worship of God, testifying to His greatness and majesty. Worship is not just a human response but a universal one.
- The Promise of Righteous Judgment: We worship with hope, knowing that God will one day judge the world in righteousness and truth, setting all things right.
Application: Consider how your worship reflects the ongoing work of God in your life. Are you offering Him a “new song” that expresses your gratitude and joy? Reflect on how you can declare God’s glory to those around you—are you sharing His marvelous deeds with others, inviting them to know Him? Re-center your heart on God, recognizing that He alone is worthy of your worship and allegiance. Take time to appreciate the beauty of creation and join in its praise of the Creator. Finally, live in hope, knowing that God’s righteous judgment is coming and that He will set all things right.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of praise, declaring Your glory and marvelous deeds. Help us to sing a new song to You each day, reflecting Your ongoing work in our lives. Give us the boldness to proclaim Your greatness to the world, so that others may come to know and worship You. We acknowledge that You alone are worthy of our devotion and praise. May all of creation testify to Your majesty, and may we live with the hope of Your coming kingdom, where You will judge in righteousness and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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