Psalm 96:1-3: Belt It Out:
Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
Perhaps you have had the experience (good or bad) where friends hears a song on the radio they like so much they turn it up, and belt their cover of the song. What makes people sing? What inspires people to “grace” you with ear piercing notes?
Psalm 96, and all of Scripture, teaches that God’s greatness is song worthy. The Bible praises God for Who He is,[1] His creation that praises Him back,[2] and for salvation.[3] The salvation and works that God is praised for often carry an idea of awe-inspiring deliverance, and can be spiritual. [4]
This salvation should make us sing because we do not deserve it. When we look at who we are, and what we have created, we find ourselves inferior and rebellious to God. [5] In our wickedness, Christ has died to deliver us. All shortcomings, shame, and sin are removed for those who believe in Christ. [6] If you are a non-Christ, know that if you confess Him as your only means of salvation you will have cause for singing. If you are a Christian, unashamedly belt the salvation that has been given to you so others can sing with you.
This blog was written by Seth Dunn
[1] 1 Chronicles 16:26-33; Psalm 8:1 & 9, 29:1, 30:4.
[2] 1 Chronicles 16:9, & 23-25; Psalm 19:1-6, 97.1, 98.7-8, Is. 42.10, Is. 60.6.
[3] Psalm 27:1, 40.3, 71:15 & 17, 92:9, 98:1-3 & 9, 145:12, Is. 25:9, 52:7, Revelation 5:9, 15:3.
[4] Hamilton, Victor P, et. al. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Vol. II. Ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke. (Chicago, IL: Moody Bible Institute, 1980), 732, and Beale, and Carson, D.A. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament.” Edited by G.K. Beale and D.A. Carson. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), 1102.
[5] Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:9-20.
[6] Psalm 130:3-8, Luke 24:44-49, Acts 2:29-36, etc.