Psalms 96:12

Authorized King James Version

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Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

Original Language Analysis

יַעֲלֹ֣ז be joyful H5937
יַעֲלֹ֣ז be joyful
Strong's: H5937
Word #: 1 of 10
to jump for joy, i.e., exult
שָׂ֭דַי Let the field H7704
שָׂ֭דַי Let the field
Strong's: H7704
Word #: 2 of 10
a field (as flat)
וְכָל H3605
וְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 4 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בּ֑וֹ H0
בּ֑וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 5 of 10
אָ֥ז H227
אָ֥ז
Strong's: H227
Word #: 6 of 10
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
יְ֝רַנְּנ֗וּ rejoice H7442
יְ֝רַנְּנ֗וּ rejoice
Strong's: H7442
Word #: 7 of 10
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 8 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲצֵי and all that is therein then shall all the trees H6086
עֲצֵי and all that is therein then shall all the trees
Strong's: H6086
Word #: 9 of 10
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
יָֽעַר׃ of the wood H3293
יָֽעַר׃ of the wood
Strong's: H3293
Word #: 10 of 10
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

Analysis & Commentary

Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Continuing creation's chorus, this verse summons agricultural fields and forests to jubilation. "Let the field be joyful" (ya'alots sadai, יַעֲלֹץ שָׂדַי) uses alats (עָלַץ), meaning to exult or rejoice triumphantly. Sadeh (שָׂדֶה, field) refers to cultivated land—humanity's provision through agriculture joins the cosmic praise.

"And all that is therein" (vekhol-asher-bo, וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ) includes crops, livestock, and wild creatures inhabiting fields. Nothing is excluded from worship. "Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice" (az yerannenu kol-atsei ya'ar, אָז יְרַנְּנוּ כָּל־עֲצֵי־יָעַר) uses ranan (רָנַן), meaning to shout for joy, sing, or cry out—exuberant celebration. The trees' rejoicing anticipates Isaiah 55:12: "the trees of the field shall clap their hands."

This vision corrects modern materialism that treats nature as mere resource for exploitation. Creation isn't dead matter but God's living workmanship, designed to glorify Him. Believers are called to creation care, not because nature is divine (pantheism) but because it belongs to and praises our Creator. When Christ returns to judge the earth (v. 13), He will restore creation to its original purpose: reflecting God's glory.

Historical Context

Ancient agrarian societies depended intimately on fields and forests for survival. Bountiful harvests meant life; drought or blight meant death. Pagan religions worshiped fertility gods and nature spirits, believing proper rituals ensured agricultural success. Israel's faith was revolutionary: Yahweh alone controls weather, crops, and harvests—not Baal, Asherah, or nature spirits. Fields and trees don't have inherent divinity but exist to glorify their Creator. When Israel obeyed God's covenant, the land produced abundantly (Deuteronomy 28:1-14); disobedience brought agricultural curse (Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

Questions for Reflection