Ps 96:1-13. The substance of this Psalm, and portions of the ninety-seventh, ninety-eighth, and hundredth, are found in 1Ch 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.

      1-3. All nations are invited to unite in this most joyful praise.
      new song--literally, "fresh," or new mercies (Ps 33:3; 40:3).

      2. show forth--literally, "declare joyful tidings."
      salvation--illustrates His glory in its wonders of love and mercy.

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

      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.

      7-9. Give--or, "ascribe" (Ps 29:1) due honor to Him, by acts of appointed and solemn worship in His house.

      8. offering--of thanks.

      9. beauty of holiness-- (Ps 29:2).
      fear . . . him-- (Ps 2:11).

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

      11-13. For which reason the universe is invoked to unite in joy, and even inanimate nature (Ro 8:14-22) is poetically represented as capable of joining in the anthem of praise.