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This Psalm is a “soon coming of the Lord” song. Read it carefully.
He is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth (v. 13, NLT).
If we read this Psalm thinking, “This is for us right now,” it transforms this Psalm into words of help and encouragement so important in the upcoming days of confusion.
Let’s consider this context of “end times” with the following verses. . .
Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! (v. 1)
One commentator writes, “A new song is a new experience of God’s blessing, a new truth discovered in the Word, a new beginning after a crisis, a new door for service — all of these can make an old song new or give us a new song from the Lord.”
Let’s sing a new song today!
Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves (v. 2).
The Hebrew word for “proclaim” is the word used in the New Testament for “preaching the Good News.” In English, we get the word “evangelize” from both words.
This verse foreshadows a verse found in the New Testament. . .
Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).
And considering our “new song” from responding to this “proclaiming” or “preaching” the good news, both Psalm 96 and 2 Timothy 4 contain a warning.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3).
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols (Psalm 96:5a, ESV).
In both the Old Testament and New Testament, idols symbolize worthless objects that demand our attention but provide nothing of value. They take without giving back. Yet too many continue to seek idols and find false teachers to verify their indulgences.
Psalm 96 proclaims. . .
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods (v. 4, NLT)
O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! (vv. 7-8a)
It’s time to choose — God or worthless idols? We praise God as His Good News extends from the times of the Psalms to our time today.
And consider this rejoicing when the Lord returns. . .
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes (vv. 11-13a, ESV).
Amen, come Lord Jesus!