Can you have a favorite? That’s hard to nail down with precision. Psalm 1 and the contrast between the blessed and the wicked is a powerful theme of Scripture. Psalm 19 and the beauty of God’s revelation, both natural revelation and spoken, are powerful and worthy of consideration. You could hardly discuss the Psalms without mentioning Psalm 23! I can’t say, “My favorite,” so I will settle for one of my favorites. One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 96. 

The Psalm starts a section of the Psalms deliberately placed together to express the concept of reverence and appreciation for our God Yahweh’s reign. Psalm 96 opens with “Oh sing to the LORD a new song” (Ps. 96:1, ESV). We sing a new song because Yahweh reigns. The pattern that follows is “Sing” (Ps. 96), “Yahweh reigns” (Ps. 97), “Sing” (Ps. 98), and “Yahweh reigns” (Ps. 99). Historically, this song (Ps. 96) was sung when the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Jerusalem (see I Chron. 16:23ff). It was a powerful reminder that Yahweh, the Covenant God was King. 

The Psalmist calls upon all the earth to shout His praises, declare His glory, and acknowledge that Yahweh is great and greatly to be praised (Ps. 96:1-6).  There is no God like ours! Next, the Psalmist proclaims Yahweh’s rule. The ESV captures this repetition, “Ascribe” is used 3 times in vv. 7-9. All the earth should worship Him and His supreme holiness. Especially His covenant people should be driven to declare among the nations, “Yahweh reigns!” (Ps. 96:10). Yet this Psalm of praise is not just about God’s rule, but it is also about the King’s return to judge. The beauty of the passage is that all the earth rejoices in His coming judgment, there is no terror or trepidation, but excitement, exhilaration, and wonderful anticipation. Yahweh, our King, is coming to judge the earth in His righteousness and faithfulness (Ps. 96:11-13). We should take refuge in this truth and gladly proclaim it to everyone we know.