psalm-96:1-13,-matthew-6:19-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:3

Declare his glory among the heathen. Publish God's praise, not only in Israel, but to the ends of the earth. Let all mankind hear the joyful news (comp. Psalms 2:8 ; Psalms 47:1 , Psalms 47:8 ; Psalms 138:4 ). His wonders among all people; rather, among all the peoples; i.e. "all the nations of the earth" (see Psalms 96:7 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:3

The spirit of missionary work. Amongst the brighter signs of the times in which we live must be reckoned the universal anxiety, now in so many ways manifested, on the part of Christian people for the spread of the message of Christ's salvation both at home and abroad. The whole psalm overflows with thankfulness and delight, and in it is found this summons to missionary work. Now, in a human composition we should say that it was unskilled and lacking in true art if there were introduced an... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:3

The law of Christian missions. The "heathen" of the Old Testament match the "Gentiles" of the New Testament. "Gentiles," as our Lord used the term, means "those who do not know of God as the Father in heaven." And "heathen" means "those who do not know God as the One, the Spiritual, and the Holy." But in referring such an expression as this to missions, we are using for our purpose the language, not precisely discerning the psalmist's meaning. In desiring that God's glory should be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:4

For the Lord is great (comp. Psalms 95:3 ), and greatly to be praised. Whatever is "great" excites our admiration, and naturally calls forth our praise. God's greatness is such that he needs to be " greatly praised." He is to be feared above all gods (comp. Psalms 95:3 , and the comment ad loc. ) . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:5

For all the gods of the nations are idols ; rather, vanities, or nothings. In the original there is a play upon the words—the elohim of the nations are mere elilim. Elilim is a favourite designation of the heathen gods in Isaiah. Compare the statement of St. Paul, "We know that an idol is nothing in the world " ( 1 Corinthians 8:4 ). But the Lord made the heavens. That which is nothing can do nothing, can make nothing. How far superior is Jehovah, who "made the heavens"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:5

Idolatry. Thus it was three thousand years ago. Thus, to an extent as astounding as melancholy, it is today. Population of globe estimated at fourteen hundred millions; if so, one thousand millions heathen. Considering the prevalence, permanence, antiquity, of idolatry, that these words and many like these should have been written when and where they were, is no unsubstantial proof of the superhuman authorship, Divine inspiration, of Old Testament Scriptures. History presents no more... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:5

The God of heaven. This seems to have been the Babylonian name for the God of the Jews. "Lord of heaven;" "King of heaven." It expresses the apprehension gained by the Babylonians (see Nebuchadnezzar's acknowledgment, Daniel 5:1-31 :37). It intimates that Jehovah, though an all-powerful God, was in no sense a local God, with a limited kingdom and ordinary earthly claims. To call God the "God of heaven" is at least making a beginning towards the realization of him as spiritual. I. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:6

Honour and majesty are before him . Another paronomasia— hod ve-hadar . Dr. Kay translates, "grandeur and majesty;" Professor Cheyne, "glory and grandeur." Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. The original phrase used seems to have been, "Strength and gladness are in his place " ( 1 Chronicles 16:27 )—terms suiting the simplicity of David's time. When the psalms came to be used in the temple service, loftier language was more fitting. The whole passage has probable... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:6

Strength and beauty. It is supposed that this psalm was composed for the dedication of the temple at Jerusalem; but it existed in the time of David, though it was doubtless used in the service of the second temple. The previous reference of the strength and beauty told of here is to the massive foundations and the solid structure of the temple,—such was its strength; and the "beauty" told of the lavish adornments and the varied splendour and richness which characterized all the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:7

Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people; rather, O ye fatuities of the peoples. A renewed appeal to the heathen to join in the song of praise (comp. Psalms 96:1 ). Give unto the Lord glory and strength . "Give" must be understood in the sense of "ascribe" (see Professor Cheyne's translation, and compare the Prayer book Version). Both this and the next verse are echoes of Psalms 29:1 , Psalms 29:2 . read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 96:7

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