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Psalms / Chapter 96
Psalm 96 summons the whole earth to sing, bless, and announce the LORD’s saving acts among the nations, then grounds that call in his unmatched greatness over all so‑called gods and his coming to judge the world in justice.
Sing to Yahweh a new song! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.
Sing to Yahweh! Bless his name. Proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.
For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But Yahweh made the heavens.
Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations, Ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Worship Yahweh in holy array. Tremble before him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, "Yahweh reigns." The world is also established. It can`t be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and the fullness of it!
Let the field exult, and all that is therein. Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy
Before Yahweh; for he comes, For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, The peoples with his truth. Psalm 97
Psalms journey · Psalms 96
Full passage context
Start with the map and timeline, then explore verse notes, background, theology, questions, and related passages.
Prayer, lament, praise, kingship, and hope teach God's people to sing truthfully.
Movement
Worship across the whole story
Artifact
Prayer book of the covenant people
Biblical Timeline
Kingdom
Psalms context: 1000 BC - 586 BC
Psalms context
Kingdom / 1000 BC - 586 BC
Psalms context is set in the kingdom period, where Israel's monarchy from David and Solomon to exile.
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Context snapshot
Date
Collected across Israel's worship life, c. 1000-450 BC
Genre
Poetry, prayer, and praise
Setting
Israel/Judah worship tradition
Audience
Israel
World Stage
Davidic and temple worship leaders collection over centuries
Psalms gathers prayers and songs from royal, temple, crisis, exile, and restoration settings. Its world is Israel's worship life across generations, bringing covenant memory into praise, lament, confession, and hope.
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