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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 96, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
Psalms 96:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
Psalms 96:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
Psalms 96:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 For the LORD {is} great, and greatly to be praised: he {is} to be feared above all gods.
Psalms 96:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 For all the gods of the nations {are} idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Psalms 96:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 Honour and majesty {are} before him: strength and beauty {are} in his sanctuary.
Psalms 96:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Psalms 96:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Give unto the LORD the glory {due unto} his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. {due...: Heb. of his name}
Psalms 96:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. {in the...: or, in the glorious sanctuary}
Psalms 96:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 Say among the heathen {that} the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
Psalms 96:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. {the fulness...: or, all it containeth}
Psalms 96:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that {is} therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
Psalms 96:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13 Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Psalms 96:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.