Psalm 96: 1, 3-5, 7-10

The responsorial psalm for this week comes from Psalm 96, a song of praise and worship. It is a joyful expression of devotion and recognition of God’s sovereignty.

Another version of the psalm is found in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33, a passage often referred to as the “Song of David,” which is part of a larger account of King David’s bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

Sing to the LORD a new song;

The psalm begins with a call to worship and praise God with song; specifically a new song.

Praising God with a new song is a way to offer a fresh and creative expression of gratitude to the Lord. Worship and adoration of God should not become stagnant or routine; instead, believers should continually find new and innovative ways to praise God with enthusiasm and a sense of renewal.

sing to the LORD, all you lands.

This invitation to praise is universal. The psalmist is not speaking to a specific cultural or religious audience, but “all you lands” (’eres, also translated as “all the earth”). In other words: all people, in every culture and time.

With this in mind, the call for a new song might be related to the need to make God’s praise accessible to a wider, more diverse audience.

Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

Kābôd, the Hebrew word translated as “glory”, encompasses the idea of God’s glory, honor, and majesty; it is often associated with a visible and awe-inspiring manifestation of his presence.

While kābôd is usually revealed in the Temple, here it is also associated with the wondrous deeds God has accomplished.

For great is the LORD and highly to be praised; awesome is he, beyond all gods. For all the gods of the nations are things of nought, but the LORD made the heavens.

The primary focus of the psalm is the superiority of the God of Israel, who reigns as king over all the world. The gods of the other nations are referred to as worthless idols (’ělîl); worship of them is futile.

In contrast, the God of Israel is great. He is the one who made the heavens, which stretch over the entire earth — a demonstration of the scope of God’s reign.

Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name! Bring gifts, and enter his courts.

The psalm continues to invite all people (“families of nations”) to give the God of Israel the honor and praise that His name deserves, including an invitation to bring gifts or tribute to the courts of the Temple.

Worship the LORD, in holy attire; tremble before him, all the earth;

It is not clear whether it is the LORD who is in holy attire or those who are officiating at the Temple worship. In either case, the scene described is magnificent, befitting a God whose might should be feared.

say among the nations: The LORD is king,

“The LORD is king!” is a cultic cry, a declaration used in the religious and worship settings of ancient Israel. It reflects the central theme of God’s kingship and sovereignty.

This cry was proclaimed with joy during celebrations and important religious occasions, such as following military victories or during the new year.

Here, people from all nations are invited to join Israel in the worship and declaration of God’s kingship.

he governs the peoples with equity.

As king, the LORD governs (or judges, dîn) the people with righteousness.

The God of Israel exercises sovereign, universal, and equitable rule over the entire universe.