Verses 1-3

Psalm 96:1-13. The substance of this Psalm, and portions of the ninety-seventh, ninety-eighth, and hundredth, are found in 1 Chronicles 16:7-36, which was used by David‘s directions in the dedication of the tabernacle on Mount Zion. The dispensation of the Messiah was typified by that event, involving, as it did, a more permanent seat of worship, and the introduction of additional and more spiritual services. Hence the language of these Psalms may be regarded as having a higher import than that pertinent to the occasion on which it was thus publicly used.

All nations are invited to unite in this most joyful praise.

new song — literally, “fresh,” or new mercies (Psalm 33:3; Psalm 40:3).

Verse 2

show forth — literally, “declare joyful tidings.”

salvation — illustrates His glory in its wonders of love and mercy.

Verse 4-5

For He is not a local God, but of universal agency, while idols are nothing.

Verse 6

Honour and majesty — are His attendants, declared in His mighty works, while power and grace are specially seen in His spiritual relations to His people.

Verses 7-9

Give — or, “ascribe” (Psalm 29:1) due honor to Him, by acts of appointed and solemn worship in His house.

Verse 8

offering — of thanks.

Verse 9

beauty of holiness — (Psalm 29:2).

fear  …  him — (Psalm 2:11).

Verse 10

Let all know that the government of the world is ordered in justice, and they shall enjoy firm and lasting peace (compare Psalm 72:3, Psalm 72:7; Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 9:7).

Verses 11-13

For which reason the universe is invoked to unite in joy, and even inanimate nature (Romans 8:14-22) is poetically represented as capable of joining in the anthem of praise.