Sing a New Song to the Lord: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 96

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 96, a clarion call to Sing a New Song to the Lord, resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. This psalm isn’t merely about musical expression; it’s an invitation to renewed spiritual fervor and universal evangelism. It commands all the earth to proclaim God’s glory and saving power, a mandate echoing the Great Commission given by Christ himself. We delve into its verses, exploring the historical context of Israel’s worship and the prophetic foreshadowing of the Gospel’s spread to all nations. Through the lens of the Coptic Fathers, we uncover the deeper theological truths about God’s kingdom, His justice, and the joy that awaits those who worship Him in spirit and in truth. Ultimately, Psalm 96 reminds us that worship is not a passive act, but an active proclamation of God’s sovereignty and an invitation for all creation to join in the heavenly chorus. Let us examine it closely and incorporate it into our daily lives.

Psalm 96 is a hymn of praise, a joyful invitation to the world to recognize and worship the one true God. This psalm shifts from particular Israelite devotion to a universal call for all nations to acknowledge the Lord’s majesty and saving power. It is a prophetic utterance, foreshadowing the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom.

🎶 Psalm 96: A Verse-by-Verse Coptic Orthodox Commentary 🎶

Psalm 96:1 (KJV) – O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. (NKJV) – Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth.

The call to sing a “new song” is not merely a request for a fresh melody. It represents a transformed heart, a renewed relationship with God made possible through Christ. As St. Athanasius says, “Ἀνανεοῦσθαι τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἵνα καινὴν ᾠδὴν ᾄδῃ” (Renew the person, that he may sing a new song) (Athanasius, *Exposition on the Psalms*, PG 27:516). The “new song” signifies the Gospel itself, the Good News of salvation. The phrase “all the earth” broadens the scope from Israel to encompass all nations, foreshadowing the universal Church. It’s an acknowledgement that all people are invited to participate in the saving grace of God. This reminds us of the Coptic Orthodox Church’s mission to spread the Gospel to all corners of the world. Our worship should not become stale or routine; it should be constantly refreshed by the grace of God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Application: Seek opportunities to express your faith in new and creative ways, reflecting a heart transformed by God’s grace.

Psalm 96:2 (KJV) – Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. (NKJV) – Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.

To “bless His name” is to declare His goodness, His power, and His holiness. It is more than just uttering words; it’s a heart overflowing with gratitude and reverence. “Shew forth his salvation” implies active evangelism, not silent piety. This is not just about *believing*, but *proclaiming* the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. The phrase “from day to day” emphasizes the ongoing nature of our witness. Our lives should be a constant testimony to the transformative power of God. We can easily find and use domains to set up a website for spreading the Gospel. As St. Cyril of Alexandria notes, “Τὸ γὰρ σωτήριον αὐτοῦ ἐκχεῖται εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν κτίσιν” (For His salvation is poured out on all creation) (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Psalm 96*, PG 69:1221). This daily declaration of salvation also refers to partaking in the Holy Sacraments on a regular basis. In the Coptic Church, receiving communion frequently is a crucial part of the spiritual life and the salvation declared here is the same, in its essence, as the salvation experienced through communion.

Spiritual Application: Make a conscious effort each day to share your faith with someone, whether through words or deeds. Reflect on the salvation provided by God and share it with the people you encounter.

Psalm 96:3 (KJV) – Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. (NKJV) – Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.

This verse reinforces the universal call to evangelism. “Heathen” and “all people” are synonymous, indicating that no one is excluded from God’s saving love. Declaring His “glory” and “wonders” involves recounting His mighty acts in creation, in history, and in our personal lives. It is a call to mission work. It speaks to the importance of cross-cultural ministry and reaching out to those who have never heard the Gospel. As St. Augustine says, “Annuntiate inter gentes gloriam ejus, in omnibus populis mirabilia ejus” (Declare his glory among the nations, his wonders among all peoples) (Augustine, *Expositions on the Psalms*, Psalm 95, Sermon 2). The very act of declaring God’s glory can, in itself, be a miracle. The miracles of Saint Mark and other early missionaries still resonates today.

Spiritual Application: Pray for missionaries and consider ways to support them, both financially and through prayer. Also, consider ways to engage in simple conversations about the power of Christ.

Psalm 96:4 (KJV) – For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. (NKJV) – For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

This verse establishes the basis for our worship: God’s greatness. He is not just *great*, but “greatly to be praised.” This highlights the infinite nature of His worthiness. The “fear of the Lord” is not a cowering terror, but a profound reverence, a recognition of His holiness and power. It also acknowledges that any other perceived “god” is false and ultimately powerless. This truth is especially relevant in a world filled with idols of wealth, pleasure, and power. As Origen writes, “Φόβος Κυρίου ἀρχὴ σοφίας” (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom) (Origen, *Commentary on the Psalms*, PG 12:1584). This verse also recalls the first commandment given to Moses: “You shall have no other gods before me.”

Spiritual Application: Examine your life for any idols that may be competing for your devotion to God, and consciously choose to prioritize Him above all else.

Psalm 96:5 (KJV) – For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens. (NKJV) – For all the gods of the nations are idols, But the Lord made the heavens.

This verse contrasts the emptiness of idolatry with the reality of God’s creative power. “All the gods of the nations are idols” – mere human creations, incapable of offering salvation. The fact that “the Lord made the heavens” emphasizes His sovereignty and omnipotence. This verse attacks paganism directly. The Coptic Church, facing centuries of pagan influence in Egypt, held to the belief of the one true God that created the universe and rejected the deities of the pharaohs, and the deities of the Greeks and Romans later. The vastness of the cosmos is a testament to His glory. As St. Basil says, “Ἡ γὰρ κτίσις πᾶσα μαρτυρεῖ τὴν δόξαν τοῦ Θεοῦ” (For all creation testifies to the glory of God) (Basil, *Homilies on the Hexaemeron*, PG 29:16). Consider the Book of Wisdom 13:1-9 which states that the creation itself can lead the unwise to see the creator. Wisdom is not necessary to find God, but the lack thereof can hinder the process.

Spiritual Application: Take time to marvel at the beauty and complexity of creation, recognizing it as a reflection of God’s glory and a reminder of His power.

Psalm 96:6 (KJV) – Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. (NKJV) – Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.

“Honour and majesty” are intrinsic to God’s character. They are not bestowed upon Him by humans, but flow from His very being. “Strength and beauty” are manifested in His “sanctuary,” which can refer both to the earthly temple and to the heavenly realm. The sanctuary is the place where God’s presence is most acutely felt. In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the liturgy is a beautiful and powerful experience, filled with rich symbolism and profound spiritual meaning. As St. John Chrysostom explains, “Οὐ γὰρ ἔστι τόπος ἅγιος ἀλλ᾽ ἢ διὰ τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ” (For there is no holy place except through the presence of God) (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on the Gospel of John*, PG 59:109). This refers to the importance of prayer and worship in our lives. Without prayer and the guidance of God, our lives are empty, but with these practices, our lives can find great beauty and strength.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of reverence and awe in your personal prayer life and in your participation in corporate worship.

Psalm 96:7 (KJV) – Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. (NKJV) – Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Give to the Lord glory and strength.

This verse addresses “kindreds of the people,” or “families of the peoples,” reiterating the call to universal worship. We are to “give unto the Lord glory and strength,” not as if He lacks anything, but as an act of acknowledging His inherent worthiness. Giving glory is giving thanks. God does not need our thanks, but we need to give thanks. The giving of our strength to the Lord is a metaphor for giving our best to God. The gifts that we give in Church are not needed by God, but He appreciates that we give our best to His house. St. Gregory of Nyssa highlights this point, stating “Δῶρον προσφέρομεν οὐ πρὸς ὠφέλειαν τοῦ δέκτου, ἀλλὰ πρὸς ἀπόδειξιν τῆς ἡμετέρας εὐγνωμοσύνης” (We offer a gift not for the benefit of the recipient, but as a demonstration of our gratitude) (Gregory of Nyssa, *On the Song of Songs*, PG 44:880). This verse also speaks to the importance of family worship and raising children in the faith.

Spiritual Application: Make worship a priority in your family life, and encourage your children to develop a love for God and His Church.

Psalm 96:8 (KJV) – Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. (NKJV) – Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts.

Here, the emphasis is on giving God “the glory due unto his name.” This implies a recognition of His unique and unparalleled majesty. “Bring an offering” is a symbol of our devotion and commitment. The offering doesn’t have to be monetary, it could be in the form of prayer, service, or praise. “Come into his courts” refers to approaching God in worship, both individually and corporately. As St. Irenaeus teaches, “Ἡ γὰρ δόξα τοῦ Θεοῦ ζῶν ἄνθρωπος, ζωὴ δὲ ἀνθρώπου ὅρασις τοῦ Θεοῦ” (For the glory of God is man fully alive; and the life of man is the vision of God) (Irenaeus, *Against Heresies*, Book 4, Chapter 20, Section 7). We must also be mindful of the cultural implications of the text. In the Coptic Church, our songs and rituals are not simple re-enactments of the past, but living acts of remembering that build our identity. This passage is a call to remain authentic to one’s identity and to celebrate cultural heritage.

Spiritual Application: Examine your heart attitude when you worship, ensuring that you are truly giving God the glory He deserves.

Psalm 96:9 (KJV) – O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. (NKJV) – Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.

To “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” is to approach Him with reverence and purity. “Holiness” is not simply a moral quality, but a reflection of God’s own divine nature. “Fear before him, all the earth” reinforces the universal call to reverence. The “beauty of holiness” could refer to the aesthetic experience of liturgy and worship. Consider the beauty of Coptic chants, icon paintings and the architecture of the Church. All point to the beauty of holiness. St. Clement of Alexandria writes, “Τὸ κάλλος τῆς δικαιοσύνης λαμπρότερον παντὸς χρυσίου” (The beauty of righteousness is brighter than all gold) (Clement of Alexandria, *The Instructor*, Book 3, Chapter 11). This also means that we must seek the Lord’s presence when we serve the Church.

Spiritual Application: Strive for holiness in your daily life, recognizing that true worship is rooted in a pure and contrite heart.

Psalm 96:10 (KJV) – Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. (NKJV) – Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns”; The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously.

This verse is a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty. “Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth” is a direct call to evangelism. God’s reign is not just a future hope, but a present reality. “The world also shall be established that it shall not be moved” speaks to God’s faithfulness and stability. “He shall judge the people righteously” assures us of God’s justice and impartiality. As St. Athanasius puts it, “Ἡ γὰρ κρίσις αὐτοῦ δικαία καὶ ἀληθινή” (For His judgment is just and true) (Athanasius, *Against the Arians*, Oration 2, Section 24). The stability spoken of here is symbolic of the stability of God’s Word. Scientific studies are showing that our world is in constant motion. This cannot literally be referring to the earth not moving. It can only be a reference to the surety of God’s judgment.

Spiritual Application: Take courage from the assurance of God’s sovereignty and justice, even in the midst of trials and uncertainties.

Psalm 96:11 (KJV) – Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. (NKJV) – Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;

This verse is a poetic invitation to all of creation to join in the celebration of God’s reign. “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad” emphasizes the universal scope of God’s kingdom. “Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof” uses vivid imagery to depict the power and majesty of creation praising God. This is not about simply enjoying the beauty of the world, but rather it’s about recognizing that beauty as a testament to the power of God. Saint Ephrem the Syrian reminds us that “Ἡ φύσις ἡ κτιστὴ διακηρύττει τὴν δόξαν τοῦ Κτίστου” (Created nature proclaims the glory of the Creator) (Ephrem the Syrian, *Commentary on Genesis*, 1:1). The environmental and geographical context highlights that even the wildest parts of the earth are commanded to give glory to God. In this day of environmental concerns, it is important to recognize that God uses the environment to make known His will.

Spiritual Application: Find joy in the beauty and wonder of creation, recognizing it as a reflection of God’s glory.

Psalm 96:12 (KJV) – Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice. (NKJV) – Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice

This verse continues the theme of creation rejoicing in God. “Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein” emphasizes the abundance and fruitfulness of God’s creation. “Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice” uses personification to depict the joy of nature. Trees themselves, as silent witnesses to the ages, find a voice in praise. These trees of the woods also represent the different peoples of the world. The diversity in trees and the diversity in peoples mirrors one another. The similarities of the world call us to worship. As St. John of Damascus eloquently stated, “Πᾶσα κτίσις ὑμνεῖ σε, ὅτι πάντα σοὶ δουλεύει” (All creation praises you, because everything serves you) (John of Damascus, *Exposition of the Orthodox Faith*, Book 1, Chapter 14).

Spiritual Application: See the natural world as a source of inspiration and a reminder of God’s goodness.

Psalm 96:13 (KJV) – Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (NKJV) – Before the Lord, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth.

This final verse points to the ultimate culmination of God’s plan: His return to judge the earth. The repetition, “for he cometh, for he cometh,” emphasizes the certainty of this event. “He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth” assures us that God’s judgment will be just and impartial. This final verse speaks of the Second Coming of Christ. We believe He will come again to judge the living and the dead. St. Cyril of Jerusalem says, “Ἔρχεται ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς κρῖναι ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς” (Our Lord Jesus Christ comes to judge the living and the dead) (Cyril of Jerusalem, *Catechetical Lectures*, Lecture 15, Section 1). The Coptic Church prepares for the coming of Christ. We are taught to be sober and vigilant and to watch for the signs of His coming. We pray that we may be found worthy to stand before Him on that day.

Spiritual Application: Live each day with the awareness of God’s impending judgment, striving to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

🤔 Key Reflections and Teachings 🤔

Psalm 96 is a call to renewal, both personally and corporately. It’s a reminder that our worship should be vibrant, heartfelt, and focused on God’s glory. Here are some key reflections:

• ✨ Renewed Worship: The “new song” is not just a new melody, but a transformed heart.
• 🌍 Universal Evangelism: All the earth is called to proclaim God’s glory.
• 🙏 Reverent Awe: Worship God in the beauty of holiness, with profound reverence.
• 👑 Sovereign Reign: Declare that the Lord reigns, acknowledging His authority over all.
• 🙌 Joyful Creation: All of creation is invited to rejoice in God’s presence.
• ⚖️ Imminent Judgment: Live with the awareness of God’s impending judgment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Here are some common questions about Psalm 96 and its significance:

• ❓ What does it mean to sing a “new song”?

  ✅ Singing a “new song” signifies a spiritual renewal, a fresh encounter with God’s grace that inspires heartfelt worship and a transformed life. It reflects the joy and gratitude that come from experiencing God’s saving power.

• ❓ How does Psalm 96 relate to evangelism?

  ✅ Psalm 96 is a powerful call to evangelism, urging us to “declare his glory among the heathen” and share the good news of salvation with all nations. It highlights the importance of making God known to those who have never heard of Him.

• ❓ What is the significance of creation rejoicing in Psalm 96?

  ✅ The invitation to all of creation to rejoice in Psalm 96 emphasizes the universal scope of God’s kingdom and the interconnectedness of all things. It reminds us that everything in creation points to God’s glory and that we are all called to participate in His praise.

• ❓ How does Psalm 96 connect to Coptic Orthodox tradition?

  ✅ Psalm 96 encapsulates the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on liturgical worship, evangelism, and the ultimate hope of Christ’s return. Its call to holiness and reverence resonates deeply with Coptic spirituality and the striving for a life centered on God.

Conclusion

Psalm 96, a timeless hymn, continues to resonate within the heart of the Coptic Orthodox tradition. The psalm’s message that we must Sing a New Song to the Lord offers us a guide to revitalizing our individual walks with Christ and our communal worship. By understanding the context of the writing, we can begin to see the prophetic nature of the psalm. From a historical perspective, the psalm encourages a renewed commitment to God’s commandment to give glory and strength to Him, as well as an admonition to preach God’s goodness to all people. Ultimately, Psalm 96 is a call to joyful obedience, a recognition of God’s sovereignty, and a celebration of His boundless love. May we embrace this psalm’s message and live it out in our daily lives, proclaiming His glory to the ends of the earth and waiting with anticipation for His glorious return.

Tags

Psalm 96, Coptic Orthodox, New Song, Worship, Evangelism, Theology, Patristics, Bible Commentary, Christian Living, Spiritual Renewal

Meta Description

A verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary on Psalm 96. Discover the call to Sing a New Song to the Lord, evangelism, and joyful worship. Explore Patristic insights.