Psalm 96 - Sermon Study

1. How has the author organized this passage? Please a) show the structure in sections with verse references and b) explain what strategies you used to see this structure. c) What is the emphasis revealed by the structure?

Sing and Declare God’s Glory (Verses 1-6) - In the first 3 verses, there is an importance of singing to God. Not only the same songs, but new ones. This is a command and required of all the earth. The Hebrew word that this declare is (according to my logos software) means to count or to take account for. Declaring relates to counting all the glorious thing God does and we must do so among everyone and everywhere. In the last three verses of this section, we get a list of what to declare: He is great and should be praised, He is to be feared above all gods and worthless idols, he made the heavens, He is majestic, strong, and beautiful.

Ascribe to His Power (Verses 7-9) - Ascribe is mentioned 3 times in this section. Ascribe is an encouragement to give credit or attribute something to someone. Verse 8 stands out to me when it states “the glory due his name” We owe God worship. Verse 9 then showcases how God’s holiness is terrifying and that should cause us to tremble before God. To bow down before Him and worship in reverence.

Praise God For He Will Judge (Verses 10-13) - This section seems to be the reason to now tremble before God. He will judge with righteousness. This is why we say the Lord Reigns (v10) and tell of his salvation day to day (v2). God is not a bigger version of us, but completely set apart. Holy. He will judge the world.

The structure reveals an emphasis on declaring God's greatness and holiness publicly and universally, because He is the only true and righteous Judge.

2. How does the context inform the meaning of this passage? Please consider: a) the literary context (passages before and after the passage), b) the historical context (circumstances of the author’s audience), c) the cultural context (details relevant to life as it was lived in this place at this time), and d) the biblical context (citations/allusions or historical connections to other books that the author is making). Please list only those that are relevant to the meaning of the passage.

a) Literary Context: Psalm 96 is part of a group of psalms (Ps 93–100) celebrating God’s kingship. It flows from the theme of God reigning (Ps 95:3) and builds toward His universal rule and coming judgment (Ps 97–99).

b) Historical Context: Although not officially confirmed, this is likely tied to the occasion of David bringing the Ark into Jerusalem as much of this Psalm is in 1 Chronicles 16:22-33. This psalm reflects Israel’s call to worship the true God in contrast to surrounding nations’ idolatry.

c) Cultural Context: Ancient peoples often believed gods were local or tribal. Psalm 96 counters this by declaring the Lord as Creator and Judge over all nations and creation.

d) Biblical Context: Psalm 96 is quoted in 1 Chronicles 16 and echoes themes from Isaiah (e.g., 40–66) about declaring God’s glory to the nations. It anticipates our Church’s mission statement to go and make disciples.

3. What is the main point the author is arguing to his audience (in one short sentence)?

Verse 9 is where I think the Author’s main point is so this is what I have:

All the earth needs to worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness with reverence.

The key part I think is unique to all Psalms is the global aspect: all nations, all the earth, etc.

2 Samuel 6 - David gets mad at God because he kills them because He is a just God.

4. How does this passage connect to the gospel of Jesus Christ? What part of the gospel is in view?

Because Psalm 96 carries a global call to worship, it points forward to Matthew 28:19–20, where Jesus commissions His followers to make disciples of all nations. Just as the psalm calls us to declare God’s glory among the nations, the gospel calls us to proclaim Christ to the ends of the earth.

It also echoes the Westminster Shorter Catechism—that our purpose is to glorify and enjoy God—because the psalm celebrates both the joy and the reverence of worshiping a holy God.

The gospel view in focus here is Christ’s return. Psalm 96 anticipates the day when Jesus will come again to judge the world in righteousness (v.13), establishing His kingdom fully and finally.

They expected Jesus to come back again to reign as a king.

5. What is the main point you will argue to your audience (in one short sentence)?

Because Jesus is coming to judge the world, we must declare His glory and call all people to worship Him in holiness. - Share

6. What applications will you make? Consider both Christians and non-Christians.

We must declare His Glory and Worship Him through the following ways: Sing to God (V1-3)

Share The Gospel and Make Disciples (V7-9)

Fear God For He Judges (V9-13)

7. What is your sermon title and your preaching outline?

Intro - Shooting that Happened in NYC

Sing to the Lord

Ascribe to His Glory

Praise God the Great Judge

Gospel Connection: Jesus is coming back again to Judge

Application: Declare His Glory and Worship Him