Psalms 96

All are invited to rejoice at the glorious coming and reign of Christ.

(Does this psalm differ from what you were expecting? Don't be confused. There are two systems for arranging the psalms: the Septuagint and the Masoretic. We use the Septuagint system here. In the Masoretic system, which is used in most modern Bible translations, this psalm is called Psalm 97, and the previous psalm is known as Psalm 96.)

1 For the same David, when his land was restored again to him.

The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad. 2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne. (Clouds and darkness... The coming of Christ in the clouds with great terror and majesty to judge the world, is here prophesied.) 3 A fire shall go before him, and shall burn his enemies round about. 4 His lightnings have shone forth to the world: the earth saw and trembled. 5 The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens declared his justice: and all people saw his glory. 7 Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, and that glory in their idols. Adore him, all you his angels: 8 Sion heard, and was glad. And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, because of thy judgments, O Lord. 9 For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods. 10 You that love the Lord, hate evil: the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints, he will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner. 11 Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart. 12 Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.