before the LORD, for He is coming--He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness. before the LORDThis phrase emphasizes the presence and authority of God. In Hebrew, the word for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenant relationship with His people. The phrase "before the LORD" suggests a posture of reverence and accountability, acknowledging that all actions and judgments occur under His divine oversight. Historically, this reflects the understanding that God is the ultimate judge and sovereign ruler, a theme consistent throughout the Old Testament. for He comes
This phrase anticipates the arrival of the LORD, suggesting an imminent and active presence. The Hebrew verb used here, "bo," conveys movement and arrival, indicating that God is not distant or passive but is actively engaging with His creation. This expectation of God's coming is a recurring theme in the Psalms and prophetic literature, often associated with divine intervention and the establishment of justice. It reflects the hope and assurance that God will fulfill His promises and bring about His righteous purposes. He comes to judge
The repetition of "He comes" underscores the certainty and importance of God's action. The word "judge" in Hebrew is "shaphat," which encompasses not only legal judgment but also governance and the establishment of order. This reflects the biblical understanding of God as the ultimate judge who discerns truth, administers justice, and restores righteousness. In the historical context, this would resonate with the Israelites' longing for divine justice amidst human corruption and oppression. the earth
This phrase broadens the scope of God's judgment to include all of creation. The Hebrew word "erets" can mean land, earth, or world, indicating the comprehensive nature of God's dominion. This reflects the biblical worldview that God's authority extends over the entire universe, not just Israel. It underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and the universal application of His justice, affirming that all nations and peoples are accountable to Him. He will judge the world
The repetition of the concept of judgment emphasizes its significance. The word "world" here is translated from the Hebrew "tebel," which refers to the inhabited world or the earth's population. This highlights the inclusivity of God's judgment, encompassing all humanity. It reflects the biblical teaching that God's justice is impartial and universal, transcending national and ethnic boundaries. in righteousness
This phrase describes the nature of God's judgment. The Hebrew word "tsedeq" denotes righteousness, justice, and moral integrity. It signifies that God's judgments are based on His perfect and unchanging character. In the biblical context, righteousness is not merely legal correctness but encompasses faithfulness to God's covenant and ethical living. This assures believers that God's judgments are fair, just, and aligned with His holy nature. and the peoples
This phrase specifies the objects of God's judgment, emphasizing the diversity and plurality of humanity. The Hebrew word "amim" refers to nations or peoples, highlighting the collective accountability of different groups before God. This reflects the biblical theme of God's concern for all nations and His desire for them to know and worship Him. in His faithfulness
This concluding phrase underscores the reliability and trustworthiness of God's judgment. The Hebrew word "emunah" conveys faithfulness, steadfastness, and fidelity. It assures believers that God's actions are consistent with His promises and character. In the biblical narrative, God's faithfulness is a source of hope and confidence for His people, affirming that He will fulfill His covenant and bring about His redemptive purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, representing God as the ultimate judge who comes to bring justice and righteousness to the earth. 2. The EarthThe realm over which God exercises His judgment, encompassing all creation. 3. The WorldRefers to the inhabitants of the earth, highlighting the scope of God's righteous judgment. 4. The PeoplesAll nations and ethnic groups, emphasizing the universal nature of God's judgment. 5. Judgment EventThe anticipated future event when God will come to judge the earth in righteousness and faithfulness. Teaching Points God's Righteous JudgmentGod's judgment is characterized by righteousness and faithfulness. Believers can trust that His judgments are just and true, providing assurance in a world often marked by injustice. Anticipation of His ComingThe verse calls believers to live in anticipation of God's coming judgment. This anticipation should inspire a life of holiness and readiness, knowing that God will hold all accountable. Universal Scope of JudgmentGod's judgment extends to all peoples and nations. This universality calls Christians to share the gospel with all, recognizing that every person will stand before God. Faithfulness in JudgmentGod's faithfulness ensures that His promises will be fulfilled. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God's judgment will be consistent with His character and promises. Living in Light of EternityUnderstanding that God will judge the earth encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and obedience over temporal concerns. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the anticipation of God's righteous judgment influence your daily decisions and actions? 2. In what ways can you share the message of God's coming judgment and salvation with those around you? 3. How does understanding God's faithfulness in judgment provide comfort and assurance in your life? 4. What practical steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective, in light of God's coming judgment? 5. How do the themes of judgment and righteousness in Psalm 96:13 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Revelation 19This chapter describes the return of Christ as a righteous judge, echoing the themes of divine judgment and righteousness found in Psalm 96:13. Acts 17Paul speaks of God appointing a day to judge the world in righteousness through Jesus Christ, aligning with the anticipation of divine judgment in Psalm 96:13. Isaiah 11Describes the Messiah judging with righteousness and faithfulness, paralleling the attributes of God's judgment in Psalm 96:13. Matthew 25Jesus' teaching on the final judgment, where He separates the righteous from the unrighteous, reflects the themes of judgment and righteousness. Hebrews 9Discusses Christ's return to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him, connecting to the anticipation of God's coming judgment. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Faith, Faithfulness, Judge, Judged, Judgeth, Peoples, Righteousness, Truth, UnchangingDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 96:13 1125 God, righteousness
1155 God, truthfulness
1310 God, as judge
1461 truth, nature of
2565 Christ, second coming
4027 world, fallen
5420 music
5484 punishment, by God
9210 judgment, God's Psalm 96:10-13 1075 God, justice of Psalm 96:11-13 1110 God, present everywhere Psalm 96:12-13 4017 life, animal and plant Library Psalm Xcvi. 1, 2
Psalm xcvi. 1, 2. Sing a new song unto the Lord; His mercies, every morning new, His truth and faithfulness record; Give to our God the glory due. God is the Lord; around His throne In heaven, adoring seraphim, And ransom'd saints, ascribe alone All power, might, majesty, to Hiin. On earth His church impregnable, Built on the rock of ages, stands, And yet, against the gates of hell, Shall send salvation through all lands. Thou, by whose word the worlds were made, In wisdom and in goodness framed, …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and HymnsLetter Xlii to the Illustrious Youth, Geoffrey De Perrone, and his Comrades.
To the Illustrious Youth, Geoffrey de Perrone, and His Comrades. He pronounces the youths noble because they purpose to lead the religious life, and exhorts them to perseverance. To his beloved sons, Geoffrey and his companions, Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, wishes the spirit of counsel and strength. 1. The news of your conversion that has got abroad is edifying many, nay, is making glad the whole Church of God, so that The heavens rejoice and the earth is glad (Ps. xcvi. 11), and every tongue …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Therefore Go On, Saints of God, Boys and Girls...
27. Therefore go on, Saints of God, boys and girls, males and females, unmarried men, and women; go on and persevere unto the end. Praise more sweetly the Lord, Whom ye think on more richly: hope more happily in Him, Whom ye serve more instantly: love more ardently Him, whom ye please more attentively. With loins girded, and lamps burning, wait for the Lord, when He cometh from the marriage. [2075] Ye shall bring unto the marriage of the Lamb a new song, which ye shall sing on your harps. Not surely …
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity. A Letter from Origen to Africanus.
Origen to Africanus, a beloved brother in God the Father, through Jesus Christ, His holy Child, greeting. Your letter, from which I learn what you think of the Susanna in the Book of Daniel, which is used in the Churches, although apparently somewhat short, presents in its few words many problems, each of which demands no common treatment, but such as oversteps the character of a letter, and reaches the limits of a discourse. [3028] And I, when I consider, as best I can, the measure of my intellect, …
Origen—Origen's Letters Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the Transition to the Middle Ages: from the Beginning of the Sixth Century to the Latter Part of the Eighth
The third period of the ancient Church under the Christian Empire begins with the accession of Justin I (518-527), and the end of the first schism between Rome and Constantinople (519). The termination of the period is not so clearly marked. By the middle and latter part of the eighth century, however, the imperial Church has ceased to exist in its original conception. The Church in the East has become, in great part, a group of national schismatic churches under Moslem rulers, and only the largest …
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Ye Also who have not yet Made this Vow...
30. Ye also who have not yet made this vow, who are able to receive it, receive it. [2093] Run with perseverance, that ye may obtain. [2094] Take ye each his sacrifices, and enter ye into the courts [2095] of the Lord, not of necessity, having power over your own will. [2096] For not as, "Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not kill," [2097] can it so be said, Thou shalt not wed. The former are demanded, the latter are offered. If the latter are done, they are praised: unless the former are …
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity. The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Prophet Micah.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Micah signifies: "Who is like Jehovah;" and by this name, the prophet is consecrated to the incomparable God, just as Hosea was to the helping God, and Nahum to the comforting God. He prophesied, according to the inscription, under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. We are not, however, entitled, on this account, to dissever his prophecies, and to assign particular discourses to the reign of each of these kings. On the contrary, the entire collection forms only one whole. At …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 96:13 NIVPsalm 96:13 NLTPsalm 96:13 ESVPsalm 96:13 NASBPsalm 96:13 KJV
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