In part 1 of this series, I challenged anyone reading this to commit to memorizing Psalm 96. I hope if you have not started that endeavor you will start now. If you want my recommended smartphone app for Bible memory: here is a 20% discount code for it.
Psalm 96 is an interesting song because it is a part of a larger song that is given to us in 1 Chronicles 16. According to verse 7, “Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the LORD by Asaph and his brothers.” The idea is this, the Ark of God has returned home and the people have been delivered from an enemy, thus we should praise God for His mighty works. There are more details, but suffice to say this was a time for rejoicing, and rejoicing they did!
David’s song in 1 Chronicles 16 is one of rejoicing in the completed work of God. The Ark of God is in the tent, and the people are ready to worship unimpeded by their enemies. The mercy seat is right there amongst the peoples; it is a time to rejoice! Have you been reminded of anything by now?
Jesus Christ became a man and was the propitiation for our sins. The Mercy Seat dwelled amongst us in a tent and delivered us from the hand of our enemies. Thanks be to God for this inexpressible gift! Thus, when Psalm 96 commands us to “sing” a new song unto the Lord Jesus Christ, we ought to do so with joy and thanksgiving. The sacrifice Christ paid is of far more value than the elements David’s men brought into the earthly tent. And while the Ark represented a victory for Israel, Christ’s sacrifice atones for sins throughout all the nations of the Earth.
Psalm 96 reads as such:
Psalms 96:1-2 ESV Oh sing to Yahweh a new song; sing to Yahweh, all the earth! 2 Sing to Yahweh, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
We are to sing a new song to the Lord. His mercies are new every day and our praises should reflect a freshness. It isn’t that we aren’t to re-use fine words when we sing. I am certain that God is pleased when we sing psalms and strong gospel hymns over and over. It’s the fresh desire of our heart to sing of His glory and salvation each time that is the point. God isn’t impressed with our singing voices or our words (even if we sing straight scripture); God is pleased with a heart of faith in Jesus Christ that brings an offering to Him with humility. Your salvation is remarkable every day—no matter how long it has been since you first professed Christ—and no matter what gains you have made in practical holiness.
Every day is a day to praise God in song for this unspeakable gift. Church, are we singing with the vibrancy and frequency a salvation such as ours ought to elicit? Do you sing in your private times, during your prayers, with your family, and with your church? When you sing, do you sing songs that praise God and tell of his salvation and glory and marvelous works?
Would someone listening to your singing know that you are talking about Jesus Christ? We are commanded to sing, dear Christian, and through singing to tell of His salvation. Many wonderful Gospel hymns are better evangelism tools than poorly written tracts. Many a sinner would stand and listen to a song of praise to God if it is done well rather than sit through an open-air sermon. Use your talents for God’s glory and sing to the LORD a new song, telling of His salvation every day!
If you want to hear the sermon I preached, you can hear it here on my Be A Berean podcast.
See all posts in the Psalm 96 (Yahweh Reigns) series:
Psalm 96: Introduction
Psalm 96:1-2 Sing of His Salvation
Psalm 96:3-5 Worthless Idols
The Shame of Idols
Psalm 96:6-9 The Beauty of Christ
Psalm 96:10 Jesus Reigns!
Psalm 96:10-13 God Will Judge!
Michael Coughlin
Michael Coughlin lives near Columbus, OH, and leads local outreaches to glorify our Lord and reach the lost with the gospel. Michael’s joys are spending time with his dear wife and children, programming computers, and studying and discussing God’s Word. He is a member of Covenant Bible Church.