God alone is supremely great, and we must respond with reverence and wholehearted worship.
As the psalmist proclaims, “For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.” (v.4), he draws a contrast between the God of Israel and every lesser “god” that humanity might be tempted to exalt. This verse emphasizes that the LORD alone is supreme in majesty, surpassing every idol or false deity. Throughout Scripture, the idea that God rules above all others is a recurring theme (Psalms 96:3-10). To “fear” Him in this context means to stand in reverent awe, fully recognizing His limitless power, goodness, and authority over creation. That posture leads to genuine worship, in which believers humbly acknowledge that there is no equal to the LORD and laud Him for the greatness of His character and works.
In celebrating God’s greatness, the psalmist calls people to worship in spirit and truth. Psalm 96 as a whole centers on a joyful exaltation of God, urging every nation to ascribe all honor and glory to Him above competing loyalties. Such praise is not a mere ritual, but a profound response of the heart. Scripture reminds us that “in all ages, worship, when done in spirit and truth, should bring glory to God, by acknowledging the truth of His nature” (Psalms 96:8). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, who is proclaimed as Lord (John 20:28), is worshiped by His followers, further illustrating how the living God alone is worthy of the deepest reverence.
This verse also foreshadows the inclusive call for the entire earth to join in praising the LORD’s name. Whether in ancient Israel or today, God’s people declare His greatness by proclaiming His deeds and inviting others to know Him. This aligns with the Bible’s overarching story, culminating in Jesus, who reveals God’s greatness in His life, death, and resurrection. By revering and esteeming Him above all else, believers learn that true satisfaction and hope flourish only when the LORD stands at the highest place in their lives.
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Psalms 96:4 meaning
As the psalmist proclaims, “For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.” (v.4), he draws a contrast between the God of Israel and every lesser “god” that humanity might be tempted to exalt. This verse emphasizes that the LORD alone is supreme in majesty, surpassing every idol or false deity. Throughout Scripture, the idea that God rules above all others is a recurring theme (Psalms 96:3-10). To “fear” Him in this context means to stand in reverent awe, fully recognizing His limitless power, goodness, and authority over creation. That posture leads to genuine worship, in which believers humbly acknowledge that there is no equal to the LORD and laud Him for the greatness of His character and works.
In celebrating God’s greatness, the psalmist calls people to worship in spirit and truth. Psalm 96 as a whole centers on a joyful exaltation of God, urging every nation to ascribe all honor and glory to Him above competing loyalties. Such praise is not a mere ritual, but a profound response of the heart. Scripture reminds us that “in all ages, worship, when done in spirit and truth, should bring glory to God, by acknowledging the truth of His nature” (Psalms 96:8). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, who is proclaimed as Lord (John 20:28), is worshiped by His followers, further illustrating how the living God alone is worthy of the deepest reverence.
This verse also foreshadows the inclusive call for the entire earth to join in praising the LORD’s name. Whether in ancient Israel or today, God’s people declare His greatness by proclaiming His deeds and inviting others to know Him. This aligns with the Bible’s overarching story, culminating in Jesus, who reveals God’s greatness in His life, death, and resurrection. By revering and esteeming Him above all else, believers learn that true satisfaction and hope flourish only when the LORD stands at the highest place in their lives.