Verses 1-13

This is a triumphant song of praise to God (Psalms 96:1-3), contrasting His power and glory with the nothingness of the heathen idols (Psalms 96:4-6), calling all the earth to worship Him (Psalms 96:7-9), exulting in His rule (Psalms 96:10), and calling all nations to rejoice in the prospect of His coming in judgment (Psalms 96:11-13). The tone of the Ps. is closely akin to that of Isaiah 40-66, and was in all likelihood inspired by the deliverance from exile. The existence of the second Temple will then be implied in Isaiah 66:6, Isaiah 66:8. This Ps. has been wrought into the composite poem of 1 Chronicles 16:8-36.

3. Heathen] RV 'nations.' So inv. 10. People] RV 'peoples' So in Psalms 96:7, Psalms 96:10, Psalms 96:13.

9. The beauty of holiness] RM 'holy array.'

13. God's judgment is welcomed and not feared, for it means the deliverance of His people and the overthrow of their enemies.