1 Sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day! 3 Declare his glory amongst the nations, his marvelous works amongst all the peoples. 4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the LORD, you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 Worship the LORD in holy array. Tremble before him, all the earth. 10 Say amongst the nations, “The LORD reigns.” The world is also established. It can’t be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity. 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness! 12 Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy 13 before the LORD; for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with his truth.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, 1706
Verses 1–9
When Christ finished his work on earth, and was received into his glory in heaven, the church began to sing a new song unto him, and to bless his name. His apostles and evangelists showed forth his salvation among the heathen, his wonders among all people. All the earth is here summoned to worship the Lord. We must worship him in the beauty of holiness, as God in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself. Glorious things are said of him, both as motives to praise and matter of praise.
Verses 10–13
We are to hope and pray for that time, when Christ shall reign in righteousness over all nations. He shall rule in the hearts of men, by the power of truth, and the Spirit of righteousness. His coming draws nigh; this King, this Judge standeth before the door, but he is not yet come. The Lord will accept the praises of all who seek to promote the kingdom of Christ. The sea can but roar, and how the trees of the wood can show that they rejoice we know not; but He that searches the heart knows what is the mind of the Spirit, and understands the words, the broken language of the weakest. Christ will come to judge the earth, to execute just vengeance on his enemies, and to fulfil his largest promises to his people. What then are we? Would that day be welcome to us? If this be not our case, let us now begin to prepare to meet our God, by seeking the pardon of our sins, and the renewal of our souls to holiness.