Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth. Worship the LORDThe Hebrew word for "worship" is "שָׁחָה" (shachah), which means to bow down or prostrate oneself. This act of worship is not merely a physical gesture but a profound expression of reverence and submission to God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bowing down was a common practice to show respect to a sovereign. Here, it signifies acknowledging the LORD's supreme authority and holiness. The use of "LORD" in all caps indicates the divine name YHWH, emphasizing God's eternal and unchanging nature. Worshiping the LORD is a call to recognize His sovereignty and to respond with humility and adoration. in the splendor of His holiness
The word "splendor" translates from the Hebrew "הֲדָרָה" (hadarah), which conveys beauty, majesty, and glory. This phrase invites believers to contemplate the awe-inspiring beauty of God's holiness. Holiness, "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh) in Hebrew, refers to God's absolute purity and separateness from sin. The "splendor of His holiness" suggests that God's holiness is not only a moral attribute but also a radiant, majestic quality that inspires worship. Historically, the temple in Jerusalem was a place where God's holiness was manifest, and worshipers would be reminded of His majestic presence. tremble before Him
The Hebrew word "חִיל" (chiyl) means to writhe, shake, or tremble. This trembling is not out of fear of punishment but a response to the overwhelming presence and power of God. It reflects a deep sense of awe and reverence. In the biblical narrative, encounters with God often led to trembling, as seen in the reactions of prophets and patriarchs. This phrase calls believers to approach God with a heart that is deeply moved and reverent, acknowledging His greatness and our own human frailty. all the earth
The phrase "all the earth" underscores the universal scope of God's reign and the call to worship. The Hebrew word "אֶרֶץ" (erets) can mean land, earth, or world, indicating that God's majesty and holiness are not confined to Israel but extend to all creation. This inclusivity reflects the biblical theme that God's salvation and glory are for all nations. Historically, Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, and this verse echoes the prophetic vision of all peoples coming to worship the one true God. It is a reminder of the global mission of the Church to proclaim God's glory to every corner of the earth. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, representing the God of Israel, who is to be worshiped in holiness. 2. The EarthRefers to all inhabitants of the world, emphasizing the universal call to worship and reverence God. 3. WorshipThe act of revering and honoring God, which is central to the verse's message. 4. HolinessThe divine attribute of God, highlighting His purity and separateness from sin. 5. TrembleA response of awe and reverence, indicating the appropriate attitude of worshipers before God. Teaching Points The Call to WorshipWorship is not just a ritual but a heartfelt response to God's holiness and majesty. True worship involves recognizing God's splendor and approaching Him with reverence. Understanding HolinessGod's holiness is central to His character and should inspire awe and respect. Believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their lives, setting themselves apart for His purposes. Universal WorshipThe call to worship extends to all the earth, highlighting the global nature of God's kingdom. Every believer is invited to participate in this worship, regardless of background or status. Reverence and AweTrembling before God signifies a deep respect and acknowledgment of His power and authority. This attitude should permeate our worship, reminding us of God's greatness and our dependence on Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's holiness influence your personal worship practices? 2. In what ways can you incorporate a sense of reverence and awe into your daily life? 3. How does the call to worship "all the earth" challenge you to think about evangelism and missions? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to reflect God's holiness in your interactions with others? 5. How do other scriptures, such as Hebrews 12:28-29, deepen your understanding of worship and reverence for God? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 16:29This verse parallels Psalm 96:9, emphasizing the call to worship God in the beauty of holiness. Isaiah 6:3Highlights the holiness of God, as the seraphim declare His glory, reinforcing the theme of God's splendor. Hebrews 12:28-29Encourages believers to worship God with reverence and awe, acknowledging His consuming fire, similar to the call to tremble before Him. Revelation 15:4Describes the nations worshiping God, recognizing His holiness and righteous acts, echoing the universal call to worship in Psalm 96:9. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Afraid, Array, Attire, Beauty, Bow, Fear, Holiness, Holy, Honour, O, Oh, Presence, Robes, Splendor, Splendour, Tremble, Worship, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 96:9 1235 God, the LORD
8462 priority, of God
8608 prayer, and worship
8627 worship, elements Psalm 96:1-9 8440 glorifying God Psalm 96:3-9 8660 magnifying God Psalm 96:7-9 1110 God, present everywhere
5594 tribute Psalm 96:7-10 5003 human race, and God Psalm 96:8-9 8624 worship, reasons 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 96:9 NIVPsalm 96:9 NLTPsalm 96:9 ESVPsalm 96:9 NASBPsalm 96:9 KJV
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