What does Psalm chapter 96 mean?

This is one of the "enthronement" psalms (Psalms 15; 24; 27; 93; 95; 97—99). These praise God for His sovereign rule and look forward to when the Lord will govern the entire world with perfect justice.

Several hundred years before the birth of Christ, Israelite scholars translated the Old Testament into Greek. Those translators added a subtitle: "When the house was built after the Captivity, a Song of David." Nearly the entire text of Psalm 96 is recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:23–33. There, David was celebrating the ark's return. Since Israel returned from exile centuries after David, he could not have written a song to celebrate the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 2:1; 6:15–16). Some scholars believe the subtitle implies that this psalm was used at the dedication.

The psalm begins with a call for praise. This is meant to be spread worldwide. Old Testament references to "the nations" and "the peoples" typically mean nations other than Israel: the Gentiles. Because God has performed great miracles, His power should be respected. In contrast, the false gods of other cultures are worthless. As the Creator, only the One True God deserves to be praised (Psalm 96:1–6).

Those worshipping God should recognize His glory, power, holiness, and magnificence. To "ascribe" is to credit something, or to assign it. "Ascribing" these traits to God means recognizing them and celebrating them (Psalm 96:7–9).

The "enthronement" psalms often preview His direct rule over the earth (Revelation 20:4). This will happen in the end times when the Messiah—Jesus Christ—rules the world in person. God's plan cannot be undone; the "world" which He created cannot be altered by anyone but Him. When God comes in judgment (Psalm 98:9), creation will celebrate (Romans 8:19–21). In that time, everyone on earth will experience a world under the perfect justice and goodness of God (Psalm 96:10–13).