GOD’S REIGN
Psalm 96:1–13
Psalm 96 celebrates God’s reign over the entire earth. Because of the nature of God, He alone deserves worship and praise. In many ways, Psalm 96 is an evangelistic or missionary psalm. Notice the commands in verses 2 and 3: Sing, bless and proclaim His salvation from day to day.
Furthermore, God’s people are to declare His glory and wondrous works to all people groups. My college Old Testament professor served as a Baptist missionary in Mexico. I remember the great emphasis he gave to this psalm because of its missionary emphasis.
God’s reign (1–6)
The psalm begins not with a focus upon God’s people but a focus upon all the earth. The unknown author of this psalm invites the population of the entire earth to sing to the Lord.
Notice that the term “sing” occurs twice in the two opening verses. Singing to the Lord is not a mere guideline. In the Hebrew text, the verb “sing” in the first and second verses are commands. We are commanded to sing new songs to God. In today’s church services, that might mean singing the old favorites as well as new hymns of praise and worship.
The gods referred to in verse 5 are nothing more than worthless idols. When we understand the nature and attributes of our God as stated in verse 6 — namely His splendor, majesty, strength and beauty — we will devote more time to personal worship.
We should worship God in the splendor of His holiness and tremble in His presence — that is, we should worship respectfully. Humans are worshippers whether individuals recognize themselves as worshippers or not.
God’s majesty (7–9)
These verses are a call to worship. All people groups are commanded to ascribe glory and strength to God. Further, we are to ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name — Yahweh or Jehovah — by coming into His presence and bringing an offering.
The commands to worship God in His majesty are to groups of people. Could these plural nouns show our need for worshipping with a community of believers?
Because we worship a majestic God, we should worship Him daily and regularly in community with other believers.
God’s judgment (10–13)
Believers must communicate the message, “The LORD reigns.” The last portion of Psalm 96 depicts in poetic language the heavens being glad and earth itself rejoicing. Therefore, the world is firmly established and cannot be shaken.
When the time of the arrival of the Judgment comes, God will judge peoples fairly — that is, by truth and a moral standard. God does not grade on a curve.
There is a coming day when God will judge the world on the basis of the principles of righteousness. In other words, God’s justice is not revenge.
How should God’s majesty and impending judgment affect your decisions and actions each day? Will you be found faithful?
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
