What does Psalm 96:12 mean?
ESV: let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
NIV: Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
NASB: May the field be jubilant, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
CSB: Let the fields and everything in them celebrate. Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy
NLT: Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy
KJV: Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
NKJV: Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 96:7–13 adds details to an earlier call for worship (Psalm 96:1–6). Those praising the Lord should recognize His power, glory, and holiness. The psalmist emphasizes God's sovereignty over the entire world. This also implies His right to judge everyone and everything. The psalm ends with a hopeful look to the future when the Lord will rule the earth directly (Revelation 20:4).
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist calls on all people—of the entire world—to give proper worship to God. Because of His divine nature and the miracles He has done, the Lord deserves to be praised. Other so-called "gods" are nothing. Those who worship the Lord should celebrate His holiness, power, and judgment. One day, the Lord will return and rule the entire earth in perfect justice.
Chapter Context:
This is one of the "enthronement" psalms, which celebrate God's role as the Supreme King of the earth. Others are Psalms 24, 27, 93, 95, and 97—99. A song celebrating the return of the ark (1 Chronicles 16:23–33) quotes nearly all of Psalm 96. Psalm 96 also anticipates Jesus' reign on earth and the Gentiles' worship of Him. This song may have also been used at the dedication of the second temple when the returnees from Babylon (Ezra 2:1) celebrated its completion (Ezra 6:15–16).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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