Types of Psalms Table

96:1 Sing to Yahweh This command is not exclusive to Israel. See note on vv. 1–3; compare vv. 2; 98:1.

all the earth Probably refers to all of the people who live on the earth (see v. 2b). However, in vv. 11–13, the psalmist exhorts the personified earth, sea, fields, and forest to rejoice.

96:2 his name This phrase emphasizes intimate knowledge of God rather than a particular name as multiple names are used for God. See note on 91:14.

his salvation The Hebrew word used here, yeshu'ah, refers in the psalms to Yahweh’s deliverance from whatever hazards the psalmist is experiencing. See 91:16 and note.

day to day Intensifies the personal experience of God’s deliverance.

96:3 among the nations Refers to the geographic territories outside Israel (compare v. 10).

the peoples Refers to people groups other than the Israelites (vv. 3, 5, 7, 10, 13).

96:4 to be feared Fearing God means placing all other potential objects of fear or reverence in proper perspective. See 90:11 and note.

gods The Hebrew word used here, elohim—which is plural in form—is sometimes used in reference to Yahweh, but here it refers to deities worshiped by the nations surrounding Israel (v. 5).

96:5 the gods of See note on v. 4.

are idols The Hebrew word used here, elil—which can be rendered as “insignificant,” “vain,” or “weak,” describes foreign gods in a derogatory sense, portraying them as nonentities.

The Logic of Idolatry

Yahweh made the heavens The psalmist argues that other rival deities are worthless because Yahweh made the place where the other gods supposedly live, the heavens. Yahweh is the Creator of all. Compare v. 11.

96:6 before him God’s location varies through this psalm; v. 6 and 96:8 place Him in His sanctuary or courts, while v. 13 places Him in a wider environment.

in his sanctuary Yahweh is set apart from all the foreign gods—He dwells in His holy place. This could be a reference to the heavens or to the Jerusalem temple. Considering that vv. 8–10 envision people coming to Yahweh from around the world, the Jerusalem temple is likely being referenced here. Compare 93:5 and note.

96:7 Ascribe to Yahweh Reflects the commands in vv. 1–2. See note on vv. 7–10.

96:8 his name Emphasizes intimate knowledge of God rather than a particular label. See note on 91:14.

an offering The Hebrew word used here, minchah, refers in general to a gift, present, or tribute—specifically a food or grain offering (see Lev 2:1 and note).

into his courts Contributes to the image of God as king. See Ps 92:13 and note.

96:9 Worship The Hebrew verb chawah used here literally means “to bow down.” It demonstrates the humility required in worship. See 95:6 and note.

holy array See 93:5 and note.

among the nations The message of Yahweh’s kingdom was not to be restricted to Israel, but instead was to reach the entire world. This represents a reclaiming of the nations of the earth by Yahweh (compare note on 82:2). See note on v. 3.

Yahweh is king See note on 93:1.

it will not be moved See 93:1 and note.

He will judge Means to execute a judgment in a legal context. Compare v. 13.

fairly The psalmist declares that Yahweh will judge all people with fairness or integrity.

96:13 to judge Compare v. 10.