Psalms 96:1-97:12

96:3 | God’s greatness will one day be declared in all nations and the gospel will be known among all people. This is a reiteration of the promise made to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3) and a call to world missions (Matt. 28:18-20).

96:7-9 | Families is literally “tribes.” The psalmist invited Gentiles to submit to God and become His worshipers. The goal of God’s redemptive mission has always been to make obedient worshipers of all the nations of the earth (97:1).

97:1 | The Lord reigns is the watchword of this psalm. It is the foundation of God’s kingdom and will be the fulfillment of the millennial kingdom. His saints draw comfort from these words.

97:7-12 | Those who worship idols are put to shame, while the worshipers of the Lord are made glad. With this contrast in mind, the conclusion follows that Israel has a distinct duty to God. Those who rejoice at the coming of the King must even now love the Lord, hate evil, rejoice, and give thanks (Prov. 8:13).