Psalms 96:7-9
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!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The psalm calls to "families of the peoples," not just individuals. This isn't just a call to personal devotion, but a powerful invitation for entire communities, bound by kinship and shared life, to acknowledge God's majesty together. It highlights that worship is meant to be communal, a collective offering of our whole lives, not just solitary prayers.
This psalm is a grand coronation anthem, celebrating God's kingship not just over Israel, but over the entire world. It calls on all nations, not just Israel, to sing a "new song" of praise and to recognize God's supreme power. The verses immediately preceding this call to "ascribe glory and strength" establish God's unmatched authority above all other "gods" and invite all people to acknowledge Him as the true King.
The psalm doesn't just call Israel to worship, but reaches out to all the families of the earth. What does this universal invitation mean for us today?
The verse calls to "the kindreds of the people" (or "families of the peoples"). This phrase is significant because it broadens the scope of worship beyond just one nation.
Beyond Borders
While rooted in Israel's experience, Psalm 96 anticipates a future where God's reign is recognized by all nations. It's a powerful shift from exclusive worship to an inclusive celebration of God's sovereignty over everyone. This echoes the Old Testament prophets looking forward to a day when Gentiles would join Israel in praising God, and fully blossoms in the New Testament with the spread of the Gospel.
Unified Worship
It's not just about individuals joining in, but about entire communities, families, and nations coming together. This call to collective worship reminds us that faith isn't just personal; it's meant to be lived out in our communities and spheres of influence.
We're told to give God 'glory and strength.' What do these powerful words truly signify about who God is, and why are they essential to acknowledge?
The psalm commands us to ascribe "glory and strength" to the LORD. These aren't just abstract concepts; they are fundamental to God's very being and His actions in the world.
God's Intrinsic Worth (Glory)
'Glory' refers to God's inherent magnificence, His supreme worthiness of honor and praise. It's His radiant presence and the sum total of His perfect attributes. When we give God glory, we are acknowledging His supreme value and rightful place above all else.
God's Absolute Power (Strength)
'Strength' speaks of God's absolute power, His might, and His dominion. It's the force behind creation and the power that upholds all things. Acknowledging His strength means recognizing that He is the ultimate authority and sovereign ruler of the universe, capable of accomplishing all His purposes.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel; the "I AM," indicating His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.
kābôd · Hebrew Noun
The weightiness, honor, brilliance, and presence of God; it represents the outward manifestation of His divine essence.
minḥâ · Hebrew Noun
A gift or tribute given to God as an act of worship, thanksgiving, or atonement to acknowledge His sovereignty and grace.
ḥāṣēr · Hebrew Noun
The designated areas within the Temple compound where the people of God gather to offer worship and sacrifices.
Psalm 96 reflects a post-exilic perspective, calling all nations to worship the God of Israel. This universal call emerged from Israel's experience of judgment and restoration, emphasizing that God's kingship is not limited to one nation but is sovereign over all creation.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian army destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, leading to the exile of most of the population. This event profoundly impacted the Jewish identity and understanding of God's relationship with His people.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Decree
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The returned exiles, with great difficulty and opposition, complete the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. This marks a pivotal moment in the restoration of Jewish worship and national identity.
c. 5th-4th century BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Period Worship Reforms
Following the exile and rebuilding of the Temple, there was a significant emphasis on reforming worship and consolidating Jewish identity, incorporating lessons learned from the Babylonian captivity.
This passage is a direct parallel, quoting the same call for all people to ascribe glory and strength to the Lord, highlighting its consistent importance across different biblical contexts.
Psalm 29:1This verse is identified as a likely source for Psalm 96:7, showing how ancient expressions of God's majesty and power are echoed and recontextualized for a broader audience.
Isaiah 42:10The call to 'sing a new song' in Psalm 96 is directly linked to this prophetic passage, emphasizing a new era of God's revelation and kingship that warrants fresh praise.
Romans 12:1This New Testament passage speaks of presenting our bodies as a 'living sacrifice' and transforming our minds, resonating with the idea of offering ourselves and our worship to God as described in Psalm 96.
1 Peter 2:5Similar to the Old Testament call for offerings and worship, this verse describes believers as 'living stones' being built into a 'spiritual house' to offer 'spiritual sacrifices,' connecting ancient worship practices to present spiritual realities.
bensonPsalms 96:7: "Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength."
Psalm 96:7-9 . Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people — O ye people, from whatsoever family ye come, or, O ye nations of the world, Give unto the Lord glory and strength — Ascribe to Jehovah that incomparable majesty, and supreme dominion and authority, which you have been wont to give to your imaginary gods. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name — Renouncing all your idols,…
clarkePsalms 96:7: "Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength."
Ye kindreds of the people - Ye families, all the tribes of Israel in your respective divisions.
The psalm calls to "families of the peoples," not just individuals. This isn't just a call to personal devotion, but a powerful invitation for entire communities, bound by kinship and shared life, to acknowledge God's majesty together. It highlights that worship is meant to be communal, a collective offering of our whole lives, not just solitary prayers.
This psalm is a grand coronation anthem, celebrating God's kingship not just over Israel, but over the entire world. It calls on all nations, not just Israel, to sing a "new song" of praise and to recognize God's supreme power. The verses immediately preceding this call to "ascribe glory and strength" establish God's unmatched authority above all other "gods" and invite all people to acknowledge Him as the true King.
This psalm is a grand coronation anthem, celebrating God's kingship not just over Israel, but over the entire world. It calls on all nations, not just Israel, to sing a "new song" of praise and to recognize God's supreme power. The verses immediately preceding this call to "ascribe glory and strength" establish God's unmatched authority above all other "gods" and invite all people to acknowledge Him as the true King.
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ḥāwâ · Hebrew Verb
The act of bowing down, showing profound reverence, service, and homage to God as the sole Creator and Sovereign.
qōdeš · Hebrew Noun
The moral and essential purity of God; His "otherness" and perfection which demands reverence and separation from sin.
ḥîl · Hebrew Verb
A posture of awe, fear, and reverence in the presence of God’s majesty, acknowledging His supreme power and holiness.
"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;…" — The psalm calls to "families of the peoples," not just individuals. This isn't just a call to personal devotion, but a powerful invitation for entire communities, bound by kinship and shared life, to…
