Psalm 96: 1-3, 7-10

The responsorial psalm for this week comes from Psalm 96, a hymn inviting all of humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God, the sole God of all creation.

Another version of Psalm 96 is found in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33, which describes the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem, a significant event in Israel’s religious history. This implies that the psalm was used in formal worship, possibly as part of a liturgical celebration.

Sing to the LORD a new song;

The psalmist calls for a fresh outpouring of praise (“a new song”).

Songs of praise were often the response to an act of God’s saving power or a profound realization of his glory (e.g., Exodus 15, Judges 5).

The call to sing a new song is fitting because God’s salvation has transformed them into a new people; their laments now give way to praise.

sing to the LORD, all you lands.

The call to praise is universal: all the earth (’eres) is directed to sing this hymn of praise.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

Names hold profound significance in Jewish tradition, symbolizing a person’s character, identity, and destiny.

To bless God’s name is not a casual utterance but a profound declaration that honors his holy nature and acknowledges his greatness.

Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

The call to praise is not confined to this moment; the good news of this salvation is to be proclaimed unceasingly, day after day, among all peoples, as a continual response to God’s saving acts.

The glory (kābôd) of God refers to the visible manifestation of God’s splendor. While it is usually revealed in the Temple, here it is also associated with the wondrous deeds God has accomplished.

Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name!

Once the nations have seen the wonders God has performed on behalf of Israel, they too are summoned to praise the LORD.

Notice the repeated command to “give” (havú) to the LORD glory and praise. This word is often translated as “ascribe,” emphasizing the act of offering due recognition, honor, and acknowledgment to God.

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

It’s unclear 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 so great a God.

Trembling before God is a reaction of both fear and awe in recognition of God’s power, justice, and holiness. This trembling is not terror but deep respect and submission.

say among the nations: The LORD is king,

The essence of their worship is the cultic cry: The LORD is king!

This cry was frequently used during celebrations of the kingship of God, which either followed military victory or took place at the new year.

he governs the peoples with equity.

As king, the LORD will govern (or “judge,” dîn) the people with fairness and justice.

God’s goodness is the foundation of creation’s stability and hope.