Psalms 96:5

"For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods."

Key Reflection

The people of Israel in the first century AD would have recognized that this psalm contrasts their monotheistic God, Yahweh, with the many idols and false gods worshipped by neighboring nations. By declaring that Yahweh is "great and greatly to be praised" and that He should be feared above all other deities, the psalmist emphasizes the exclusive supremacy of Israel's God over any local or foreign gods. This assertion underscores the unique covenant relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people, highlighting the divine sovereignty and the importance of worshiping Him alone.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

For all the gods of the nations are idols -All the gods worshipped by the people of other lands are mere “idols.” None of them can claim to have a real existence as gods. The word here rendered “idols” is translated by the Septuagint,δαιμόνιαdaimonia, “demons.” So the Latin Vulgate“daemonia.”The Hebrew word -אליל'ĕlı̂yl- means properly “of nothing, nought, empty, vain.” SeeJob 13:4. The meaning here is, that they were mere nothings; they had no real existence; they were the creations of the imagination; they could not in any sense be regarded as what it was pretended they were; they had no claim to reverence and worship as gods.

More from Psalms 96

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion