Not only do the signs of God's presence appear utterly fearsome; contemplating His majesty, it is easy to conclude that...
Not only do the signs of God's presence appear utterly fearsome; contemplating His majesty, it is easy to conclude that it is altogether incompatible with everything that exists on earth. And if the Lord can melt mountains more easily than a flame melts wax, what are human beings before Him, such weak and insignificant creatures?
Yet it is precisely the human being who proves to be the only one capable of speaking with God. Human greatness consists in being able to stand before God, not only on one's own behalf but also on behalf of all creation, while the One before whom the universe trembles agrees to hear us.
This is precisely why the account demanded of us will be the greatest. The sins into which we fall are abhorrent in themselves, but even that is not all, because unfortunately they cannot be called merely our private affair. No, they can affect the destiny of all creation. Yet our deliverance from sin will also become the beginning of the healing of the distorted world.
96 This psalm is a part of that which was delivered to Asaph and his brethren, Ch1 16:7, on occasion of bringing up the ark to the city of David. Here is a call to praise God, as a great and glorious God, Psa 96:1-9. To rejoice in his judging all the world, Psa 96:10-13.
96:1 O sing - Upon this new and great occasion, not the removal of the ark, but the coming of the Messiah.
96:4 Gods - The gods of the nations, as the next verse expounds it.
96:6 Before him - In his presence.
96:9 Beauty - Cloathed with all the gifts and graces, which are necessary in God's worship.
96:10 Reigneth - God hath now set up his kingdom in the world.Established - The nations of the world shall by the means of it enjoy an established and lasting peace.
96:13 Before - At the presence and approach of their Lord and Maker.Cometh - To set up his throne among all the nations of the earth.