Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty fill His sanctuary. Splendor and majestyThe Hebrew words for "splendor" (הוֹד, hod) and "majesty" (הָדָר, hadar) convey a sense of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur. These terms are often used in the Old Testament to describe the divine presence and the glory of God. In the context of ancient Israel, these words would evoke the imagery of a king's court, filled with opulence and dignity. The psalmist uses these terms to remind us that God's presence is not only powerful but also resplendent, surpassing any earthly ruler's glory. This splendor and majesty are not just attributes of God but are actively "before Him," suggesting that they are inherent in His very nature and are constantly emanating from His presence. are before Him
The phrase "are before Him" indicates that splendor and majesty are not distant or abstract concepts but are directly in the presence of God. In the Hebrew context, being "before" someone often implies a position of honor and immediacy. This suggests that wherever God is, His splendor and majesty are manifest. It is a reminder that God's glory is not confined to a specific location but is omnipresent, filling the heavens and the earth. This understanding calls believers to recognize and revere God's presence in all aspects of life, acknowledging His supreme authority and beauty. strength and beauty
The Hebrew words for "strength" (עֹז, oz) and "beauty" (תִּפְאֶרֶת, tiph'ereth) are often paired in Scripture to describe the dual aspects of God's character. "Strength" refers to God's power and might, His ability to act and accomplish His will. "Beauty," on the other hand, speaks to the aesthetic and moral perfection of God. Together, these attributes highlight the balance of God's nature—He is both powerful and perfect, mighty and magnificent. This combination assures believers that God's actions are not only effective but also righteous and beautiful, worthy of admiration and worship. fill His sanctuary
The term "sanctuary" (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdash) refers to a holy place, a sacred space set apart for the worship of God. In the context of ancient Israel, this would have been the Tabernacle or the Temple, where God's presence dwelled among His people. The phrase "fill His sanctuary" suggests that God's strength and beauty are not only present but abundant in His holy place. This imagery invites believers to enter into God's presence with reverence and awe, recognizing that His sanctuary is a place where His divine attributes are fully realized and experienced. It also serves as a reminder that the true sanctuary of God is not limited to physical structures but is found wherever His presence is honored and His glory is acknowledged. Persons / Places / Events 1. God (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, depicted as the source of splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty. 2. SanctuaryRefers to the holy place where God's presence dwells, symbolizing His divine attributes and glory. 3. PsalmistThe author of the psalm, traditionally attributed to David, who calls for worship and recognition of God's greatness. Teaching Points Recognizing God's MajestyAcknowledge the greatness and majesty of God in your daily life. Reflect on His attributes and how they manifest in creation and personal experiences. Worship in the SanctuaryUnderstand the importance of worshiping God in His sanctuary, whether in a physical church or in the spiritual sanctuary of your heart. Strength and Beauty in GodFind strength and beauty in your relationship with God. Let His attributes inspire and transform your character and actions. Holiness and ReverenceApproach God with a sense of holiness and reverence, recognizing His splendor and majesty as you engage in prayer and worship. Living in Awe of GodCultivate a lifestyle that reflects awe and reverence for God, allowing His majesty to influence your decisions and interactions with others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does recognizing God's splendor and majesty impact your personal worship and relationship with Him? 2. In what ways can you create a "sanctuary" in your daily life where you can experience God's strength and beauty? 3. How do the themes of strength and beauty in Psalm 96:6 relate to the way you view challenges and opportunities in your life? 4. What other scriptures come to mind that emphasize God's majesty and how can they deepen your understanding of this verse? 5. How can you practically demonstrate reverence and awe for God in your interactions with others and in your community? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 16:27This verse parallels Psalm 96:6, emphasizing the presence of strength and joy in God's dwelling. Psalm 29:2Calls for worship of the Lord in the splendor of holiness, connecting the themes of majesty and beauty. Revelation 4:11Highlights God's worthiness to receive glory and honor, echoing the themes of splendor and majesty. Isaiah 6:1-3Describes a vision of God's majesty and holiness, reinforcing the imagery of divine splendor. Exodus 15:11Celebrates God's majestic holiness, drawing a connection to His unparalleled beauty and strength. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Beauty, Fair, Glory, Holy, Honor, Honour, Majesty, Sanctuary, Splendor, Splendour, Strength, StrongDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 96:6 1090 God, majesty of Psalm 96:1-9 8440 glorifying God Psalm 96:3-7 1194 glory, divine and human Psalm 96:3-9 8660 magnifying God Psalm 96:4-6 8608 prayer, and worship 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 96:6 NIVPsalm 96:6 NLTPsalm 96:6 ESVPsalm 96:6 NASBPsalm 96:6 KJV
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