[1] O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
O sing — Upon this new and great occasion, not the removal of the ark, but the coming of the Messiah.
Verse 4
[4] For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
Gods — The gods of the nations, as the next verse expounds it.
Verse 6
[6] Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Before him — In his presence.
Verse 9
[9] O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
Beauty — Cloathed with all the gifts and graces, which are necessary in God's worship.
Verse 10
[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.
Reigneth — God hath now set up his kingdom in the world.
Established — The nations of the world shall by the means of it enjoy an established and lasting peace.
Verse 13
[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.
Before — At the presence and approach of their Lord and Maker.
Cometh — To set up his throne among all the nations of the earth.
Psalm 96 Bible Commentary
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Verse 1
[1] O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
O sing — Upon this new and great occasion, not the removal of the ark, but the coming of the Messiah.
Verse 4
[4] For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
Gods — The gods of the nations, as the next verse expounds it.
Verse 6
[6] Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Before him — In his presence.
Verse 9
[9] O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
Beauty — Cloathed with all the gifts and graces, which are necessary in God's worship.
Verse 10
[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.
Reigneth — God hath now set up his kingdom in the world.
Established — The nations of the world shall by the means of it enjoy an established and lasting peace.
Verse 13
[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.
Before — At the presence and approach of their Lord and Maker.
Cometh — To set up his throne among all the nations of the earth.