Psalm 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Psalm 96 is a good example of how commentary has helped me understand context a bit more. Psalm 96:13 says that the LORD comes to judge the earth. In and of itself, that sounds a bit terrifying to me. The earth will not come at looking very favorable. Yet verse 13 talks of all creation rejoicing because of Him presence to judge. What am I missing?
Psalm 96:12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Commentary says most judges at the time were corrupt and required bribing for favorable judgment. If you had money or property, I don’t guess that was a big deal. But if you were poor, you could not afford a bribe. The people rejoiced because they knew God would judge fairly without bribery.
Psalm 96:13a Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for He comes, He comes to judge the earth….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the understanding that comes with the background of commentary. Thank You for Your fairness and impartiality coupled with Your undeserved mercy and compassion. Draw me closer. Amen.
Psalm 96:13b …He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.
Have a blessed day.