The glory due to Him who Cometh to judge the earth

It is thought that this psalm was written by David, at the great occasion of the bringing up of the Ark to Zion. It was great because David understood that the Ark was typical of Christ, the Messiah to come. There is, beyond the immediate fulfilment, an anticipation of Christ coming to His church, which Zion represents.

Throughout the psalm there is a praising ascription of the glory of Christ and His greatness. We are encouraged to follow suit by David, urging, “Give unto the Lord the glory due.” And His promises shall not fail, for Christ shall come and judge the world with the balances of righteousness and truth. It is interesting to note that an old rendering of v. 10, reads, “The Lord reigneth from the tree,” which beautifully expresses that Calvary’s cross is really a Throne.

Pastor Jeff O’ Neil

Recommended Tune: Milton

Psalm 96

¹O sing a new song to the LORD:
Sing all the earth to GOD.
²To GOD sing, bless his name, show still
His saving health abroad.

³Among the heathen nations
His glory do declare;
And unto all the people show
His works that wondrous are.

⁴For great’s the LORD, and greatly he
Is to be magnified;
Yea, worthy to be fear’d is he
Above all gods beside.

⁵For all the gods are idols dumb,
Which blinded nations fear;
But our God is the LORD, by whom
The heav’ns created were.

⁶Great honour is before his face,
And majesty divine;
Strength is within his holy place,
And there doth beauty shine.

⁷Do ye ascribe unto the LORD,
Of people ev’ry tribe,
Glory do ye unto the LORD,
And mighty pow’r ascribe.

⁸Give ye the glory to the LORD
That to his name is due;
Come ye into his courts, and bring
An offering with you.

⁹In beauty of his holiness,
O do the LORD adore;
Likewise let all the earth throughout
Tremble his face before.

¹⁰Among the heathen say, GOD reigns;
The world shall steadfastly
Be fix’d from moving; he shall judge
The people righteously.

¹¹Let heav’ns be glad before the Lord,
And let the earth rejoice;
Let seas, and all that is therein,
Cry out, and make a noise.

¹²Let fields rejoice, and ev’ry thing
That springeth of the earth:
Then woods and ev’ry tree shall sing
With gladness and with mirth

¹³Before the LORD; because he comes,
To judge the earth comes he:
He’ll judge the world with righteousness,
The people faithfully.