Psalms 96:11
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂמְח֣וּ
rejoice
H8055
יִשְׂמְח֣וּ
rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
1 of 7
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
הַ֭שָּׁמַיִם
Let the heavens
H8064
הַ֭שָּׁמַיִם
Let the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
2 of 7
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְתָגֵ֣ל
be glad
H1523
וְתָגֵ֣ל
be glad
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
הָאָ֑רֶץ
and let the earth
H776
הָאָ֑רֶץ
and let the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
4 of 7
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
יִֽרְעַ֥ם
roar
H7481
יִֽרְעַ֥ם
roar
Strong's:
H7481
Word #:
5 of 7
to tumble, i.e., be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger)
Cross References
Isaiah 49:13Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.Psalms 69:34Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.Psalms 97:1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.Isaiah 44:23Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cosmology conceived the universe as ordered layers: heavens above, earth in the middle, and seas below. Psalm 96 summons all three to worship, demonstrating Yahweh's total sovereignty over every realm. While pagan religions had separate gods for sky (Zeus/Jupiter), earth (Gaia/Terra), and sea (Poseidon/Neptune), Israel's monotheism confessed one God ruling all. This cosmic scope reflects creation's original purpose: to glorify its Maker (Psalm 19:1). The fall subjected creation to futility (Romans 8:20), but redemption promises cosmic restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does creation's current 'groaning' (pollution, natural disasters, extinction) reflect the fall and await redemption?
- What does it mean that inanimate creation can 'worship' God, and how does this shape environmental stewardship?
- How does recognizing that all creation will ultimately worship God affect your confidence in the gospel's victory?
Analysis & Commentary
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. This verse personifies all creation as participants in universal worship. The imperatives summon cosmic celebration: "Let the heavens rejoice" (yismechu ha-shamayim, יִשְׂמְחוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם) uses samach (שָׂמַח), to rejoice or be glad. The heavens—sky, celestial realm, perhaps angelic hosts—are called to joy.
"Let the earth be glad" (vtagel ha'arets, וְתָגֵל הָאָרֶץ) employs gil (גִּיל), meaning to exult, rejoice exceedingly, or spin around in joy. If the heavens rejoice, the earth must respond with corresponding gladness. "Let the sea roar" (yir'am hayam, יִרְעַם הַיָּם) uses ra'am (רָעַם), to thunder or roar—the ocean's mighty voice contributes to the cosmic hymn. "And the fulness thereof" (umlo'o, וּמְלֹאוֹ) includes everything filling the sea—marine life, ships, islands—all joining the chorus.
This passage anticipates Romans 8:19-22, where creation groans awaiting redemption but will be liberated into glorious freedom when God's children are revealed. Creation's joy in Psalm 96 celebrates God's kingship (v. 10) and righteous judgment (v. 13). When Christ returns, creation itself will be renewed, and the new heavens and new earth will echo with perpetual praise (Revelation 21:1).