Psalm 96

This psalm is found in another version in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33. The psalm in Chronicles is a combination of quotations from 96, 105 (vv. 1-15 = 16:8-22), and 106 (vv. 1, 47-48 = 16:35-36). The Jewish worship leaders, led by God’s Spirit, felt free to excerpt and combine portions of existing psalms to construct songs for special occasions. Some students believe Psalm 96 was used in the dedication of the second temple when the Jews returned to Judah from their exile in Babylon. As you read the psalm, you can see how it would apply to the weak Jewish remnant surrounded by strong Gentile nations. The psalm also looks ahead to the kingdom age when Messiah shall reign and the Gentile nations will worship the God of Israel. The psalmist gives four commands to God’s people and backs up each command with a reason for their obedience.