Psalm 96: Sing to the Lord a New Song
Introduction
The whole of Psalm 96 is really a command to all nations, all peoples, and all the earth to sing to the Lord. We are urged to tell of his great works and his salvation because “He is to be feared above all gods.”
Historical Context of Psalms 96
This psalm is no given title nor does it have an author attached to it; however, from its ties to 1 Chronicles 16 23–33 where David appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the lord, it can be assumed that David was either the author or one of the authors of Psalm 96. This psalm is essentially a condensed version of what was sung at the ministering before the ark in 1 Chronicles 16.
Structure of Psalm 96
The structure of this psalm can almost be broken into 2 different parts or cycles:
1. A call to worship (vv.1–3) and why we worship (vv. 4–6)
2. A call to worship (vv. 7–10) and the joy in worship (vv.11–13)
“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all god. For all gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the people with equity.” Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.”
Theological Analysis
The First Cycle:
The first cycle that we see in Psalm 96 is v. 1–6, which is broken up into two halves, v. 1–3 and v. 4–6. In the first three verses we are urged to sing a new song to the Lord and to declare his glory among the nations. Everyone is commanded to sing and tell of his salvation. In the next half we are told why — the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. All other gods and idols are worthless. Because of this we sing not to gratify ourselves, but we sing because there is none like God.
The Second Cycle:
In the second cycle, we see the same initial urge to worship in v. 7–10. However, the author of the psalm replaces the three “sing’s” that were in v. 1 and 2 with ascribe. This brings the worship that we are called to do to a deeper more intimate level. By definition, ascribe means to attribute to something. Therefore, by using the word attribute, we are urged not just to connect outwardly in worship but also inwardly in worship. In v. 11–13, we see the joy that is in worship. “Let the heavens be glad” and “let the earth rejoice” are both implications that one of the emotions that we will experience during worship is joy.
Application in Corporate Worship
All of the psalms can be used in different ways throughout corporate worship. This psalm in particular can be used in multiple different facets.
Introducing a new song
One way that this psalm can be utilized is in the introduction of a new song to the congregation. Using the first three verses to explain to your congregation that singing new songs is scriptural is a way to incorporate part of this psalm and also help with the introduction with the new song.
Why we sing songs in worship
Another way to incorporate this psalm is when you want to spend a minute explaining why we gather to sing right before a chorus of a song. Reading out v. 4–6 where it talks about the greatness of God and tying that into the chorus and explaining that we sing because of who he is and what he has done is a good way to tie the text of the song with the meaning.
Singing from the heart
A third way to use this psalm is to read v. 7–10 and talk a little about the word ascribe, and how ascribing to the Lord is attributing or connecting yourself to the lord so that when the congregation sings the next song or part of the song, you can urge them to sing from their hearts and not just offer lip service.
The Joy in Worship
Finally, if there is a special service you are doing, and you are ending the service with a fun, high-energy song, you can discuss the text in the last four verses and talk about the joy that we have in worship.
