Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 96
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 96
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 96
"Oh sing unto Jehovah a new song: Sing unto Jehovah, all the earth. Sing unto Jehovah, bless his name; Show forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, His marvellous works among all the peoples. For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols; But Jehovah made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him: Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe unto Jehovah, ye kindreds of the peoples, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength. Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name: Bring an offering, and come into his courts. Oh worship Jehovah in holy array: Tremble before him, all the earth." — Psalms 96:1-9 (ASV)
When Christ finished his work on earth and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song to him and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists proclaimed his salvation among the nations, his wonders among all people.
All the earth is here summoned to worship the Lord. We must worship him in the beauty of holiness, as God in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. Glorious things are said of him, both as motives for praise and matter of praise.
"Say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth: The world also is established that it cannot 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 fulness thereof; Let the field exult, and all that is therein; Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy Before Jehovah; for he cometh, For he cometh to judge the earth: He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with his truth. " — Psalms 96:10-13 (ASV)
We are to hope and pray for that time when Christ will reign in righteousness over all nations. He will rule in the hearts of people by the power of truth and the Spirit of righteousness. His coming draws near; this King, this Judge stands before the door, but He has not yet come.
The Lord will accept the praises of all who seek to promote the kingdom of Christ. The sea can only roar, and how the trees of the wood can show that they rejoice we do not know; but He who searches the heart knows what is the mind of the Spirit, and understands the words, the broken language of the weakest. Christ will come to judge the earth, to execute just vengeance on His enemies, and to fulfill His largest promises to His people. What then are we?
Would that day be welcome to us? If this is not our case, let us now begin to prepare to meet our God by seeking the pardon of our sins and the renewal of our souls to holiness.
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