Psalm 96: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 96 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist calls all the earth to worship Yahweh with a ‘new song’ (vv. 1-2). Worship includes blessing his name and proclaiming his salvation daily.

Key verse

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.”
Psalms 96:3 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 96:1–3 Call to Worship
Psalm 96:4–6 God's Greatness and Uniqueness
Psalm 96:7–9 Ascribing Glory to Yahweh
Psalm 96:10–12 Yahweh Reigns and Creation Rejoices
Psalm 96:13 Judgment with Righteousness

Discussion questions

In v2, what are we instructed to do regarding Yahweh's name?
In v4, what does the psalmist say about Yahweh's greatness?
The phrase 'new song' in v1: what does it suggest about the nature of worship?
In v5, why are the 'gods of the peoples' called idols?
When have you felt a call to 'sing to Yahweh' as in v1?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 96: Deuteronomy 16, Revelation 19, 1 Chronicles 16.

Before next time: read Psalm 97.