Psalms 96:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 96:7
7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Chapter Context
Psalms 96 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, creation, righteousness. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 96:7
7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Analysis
Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. The psalm shifts from description (vv. 4-6) to exhortation: "Give unto the LORD" (havu la-Yahweh, הָבוּ לַיהוָה) is repeated three times (here twice, again in v. 8), creating liturgical rhythm. "Give" (yahav, יָהַב) means to offer, ascribe, or attribute. We don't give God glory He lacks but acknowledge the glory He possesses.
"O ye kindreds of the people" (mishpechot ammim, מִשְׁפְּחוֹת עַמִּים) addresses family groups, clans, tribes, and nations—the whole human family. The plural "peoples" indicates all ethnic groups, not just Israel. This universal scope anticipates the Great Commission: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19) and Revelation's vision: "a great multitude...of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" worshiping God (Revelation 7:9).
"Glory and strength" (kavod va-oz, כָּבוֹד וָעֹז) are the attributes to be ascribed. Kavod (כָּבוֹד) means weightiness, significance, honor, and glory—God's inherent worth. Oz (עֹז) means strength and might. To give God glory and strength is to publicly acknowledge His supreme worth and power, refusing to attribute these to idols, humans, or chance.
Historical Context
This universal call to worship transcends Israel's particular covenant while fulfilling it. God's covenant with Abraham promised blessing to all nations through his seed (Genesis 12:3; 22:18), ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The prophets envisioned all nations streaming to Zion to worship (Isaiah 2:2-3; 56:6-7; Micah 4:1-2). Psalm 96's missionary vision shaped early Christian understanding that the gospel must go to all peoples. Paul's mission to Gentiles and the Jerusalem Council's inclusion of non-Jews (Acts 15) enacted this psalm's call.
Reflection
- How does this verse challenge ethnic or national pride by calling all 'kindreds of the people' to worship God?
- What does it mean practically to 'give God glory and strength' in daily life, not just in worship services?
- How should the universal scope of this call shape Christian missions and evangelism?
Word Studies
- Glory: כָּבוֹד (Kavod) H3519 - Glory, weight, honor
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 22:27
- Glory: Matthew 6:13, Revelation 5:13, 7:12, 19:1
- Parallel theme: Revelation 5:9