Psalm 96

Vertical Worship's “Psalm 96” sets the whole psalm to a modern worship arrangement, keeping the words close to the biblical text. It begins with the command to sing to the Lord a new song, to sing to him all the earth, and to bless his name and tell of his salvation from day to day.

The following lines widen the audience to the nations, declaring his glory and marvelous works among all the peoples. The song contrasts the Lord with the gods of the peoples, who are worthless idols, while the Lord made the heavens. It speaks of splendor and majesty before him and strength and beauty in his sanctuary, then calls families of the peoples to ascribe to him glory and strength. People are invited to bring an offering, come into his courts and tremble before him. The closing portion describes creation joining in, with the heavens glad, the sea roaring, fields exalting and the trees of the forest singing for joy because he comes to judge with righteousness and faithfulness. The band then adds a tag that was not in the psalm: Jesus, the same today and forever, everlasting and never failing. That ending links the old text to Christ. Churches use the song to open or close a service with a clear call to praise, and it works best when the congregation sings with the energy the psalm requests.

Singing a new song among the nations is Psalm 96:1-3. Creation rejoicing before the Lord is Psalm 96:11-13, and Jesus the same yesterday, today and forever is Hebrews 13:8.