Read & explore together
Sing to the LORD, All the Earth
Psalm 96 is a song that calls the whole earth to praise Yahweh. It moves from singing and declaring his greatness to worship, worldwide proclamation, and joy that he judges rightly.
Understanding the passage
Read these words in context
This psalm addresses all the earth, the nations, and even creation itself. Within the passage, repeated calls urge people to sing, bless Yahweh’s name, proclaim his salvation, declare his glory, ascribe to him honour, and worship before him. The closing lines turn to rejoicing because he comes to judge with righteousness and truth.
Psalms 96:1–13Main takeaway
Psalm 96 calls all peoples to honour Yahweh because he is great, he made the heavens, he reigns, and he judges with righteousness and truth.
Explore the poem and its images
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Sing and proclaimThe psalm opens with repeated commands to sing to Yahweh. This is not only for one group, because “all the earth” is included.
Explanation
The psalm opens with repeated commands to sing to Yahweh. This is not only for one group, because “all the earth” is included. Blessing his name is linked with proclaiming his salvation each day, and his glory and marvellous works are to be declared among the nations.
02Why he is praisedThe psalm gives clear reasons for praise. Yahweh is great and greatly to be praised. He is to be feared above all gods.
Explanation
The psalm gives clear reasons for praise. Yahweh is great and greatly to be praised. He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of the peoples are called idols, but Yahweh made the heavens. Honour, majesty, strength, and beauty are all spoken of in relation to him.
03Give him the glory dueThe families of nations are called to ascribe glory and strength to Yahweh. Worship includes giving him the glory due to his name, bringing an offering, and coming into his courts.
Explanation
The families of nations are called to ascribe glory and strength to Yahweh. Worship includes giving him the glory due to his name, bringing an offering, and coming into his courts. The psalm also speaks of worship with reverence, saying to tremble before him, all the earth.
04Yahweh reigns and judgesThe message for the nations is, “Yahweh reigns.” He judges the peoples with equity. Then the psalm pictures heavens, earth, sea, fields, and trees rejoicing before him.
Explanation
The message for the nations is, “Yahweh reigns.” He judges the peoples with equity. Then the psalm pictures heavens, earth, sea, fields, and trees rejoicing before him. Their joy is tied to his coming judgement, which is described as righteous and true.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What actions are commanded in the opening of the psalm?
List the repeated commands in the first three verses, including singing, blessing, proclaiming, and declaring.
02What reasons does the psalm give for praising Yahweh?
Look for what the passage says about his greatness, the idols of the peoples, and his making of the heavens.
03How does the ending connect Yahweh’s reign, judgement, and joy?
Notice the words about Yahweh reigning, judging with equity, and creation rejoicing before him.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Psalms 96:1–13
1Sing to Yahweh a new song! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.
2Sing to Yahweh! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day!
3Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
4For Yahweh is great, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens.
6Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
8Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9Worship Yahweh in holy array. Tremble before him, all the earth.
10Say among the nations, “Yahweh reigns.” The world is also established. It can’t be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.
11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness!
12Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy
13before Yahweh; for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with his truth.