Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness;This phrase calls for reverence and adoration of God, emphasizing His holiness. The term "splendor" suggests beauty and majesty, indicating that God's holiness is not only pure but also awe-inspiring. In the Old Testament, holiness is often associated with God's separateness and moral perfection (
Leviticus 19:2). The call to worship in holiness is a reminder of the sacredness of approaching God, as seen in the temple worship practices where priests had to be ceremonially clean (
Exodus 28:2-3). This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of worship in spirit and truth (
John 4:24), where believers are called to approach God with sincere hearts, recognizing His divine nature.
tremble before Him, all the earth.
The command to "tremble" signifies a deep respect and fear of the Lord, acknowledging His power and authority over all creation. This is a common theme in the Psalms, where the earth and its inhabitants are called to recognize God's sovereignty (Psalm 2:11). The phrase "all the earth" extends the call to worship beyond Israel to include all nations, reflecting the universal reign of God. This anticipates the eschatological vision where every knee will bow to God (Philippians 2:10-11). Historically, this reflects the understanding that God's covenant with Israel was a means to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3). The trembling also points to the awe and reverence due to God, similar to the reactions of those who encountered divine manifestations, such as Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:6).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, representing the God of Israel, who is to be worshiped in holiness.
2.
The EarthRefers to all inhabitants of the world, emphasizing the universal call to worship and reverence God.
3.
WorshipThe act of revering and honoring God, which is central to the verse's message.
4.
HolinessThe divine attribute of God, highlighting His purity and separateness from sin.
5.
TrembleA response of awe and reverence, indicating the appropriate attitude of worshipers before God.
Teaching Points
The Call to WorshipWorship is not just a ritual but a heartfelt response to God's holiness and majesty.
True worship involves recognizing God's splendor and approaching Him with reverence.
Understanding HolinessGod's holiness is central to His character and should inspire awe and respect.
Believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their lives, setting themselves apart for His purposes.
Universal WorshipThe call to worship extends to all the earth, highlighting the global nature of God's kingdom.
Every believer is invited to participate in this worship, regardless of background or status.
Reverence and AweTrembling before God signifies a deep respect and acknowledgment of His power and authority.
This attitude should permeate our worship, reminding us of God's greatness and our dependence on Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 96:9?
2.How does Psalm 96:9 inspire reverence in your personal worship practices?
3.What does "worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness" mean to you?
4.How can Psalm 96:9 guide our approach to church services today?
5.Connect Psalm 96:9 with another scripture emphasizing holiness in worship.
6.How can you cultivate a heart of reverence as described in Psalm 96:9?
7.What does "worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness" mean in Psalm 96:9?
8.How does Psalm 96:9 challenge our understanding of worship?
9.Why is the concept of holiness emphasized in Psalm 96:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 96?
11.Can an unbeliever join a church worship team?
12.What is the Book of Common Worship?
13.What defines Christian worship?
14.Can an unbeliever join a church worship team?What Does Psalm 96:9 Mean
Worship the LORDThe verse opens with a straightforward command. Worship is not a suggestion; it is an imperative flowing from God’s revealed character.
• Worship means bowing every facet of life to Him, acknowledging that He alone is God (Deuteronomy 6:13: “Fear the LORD your God and serve Him”).
• It is active and vocal—singing, praying, giving, obeying—yet also an inward posture of love and surrender (John 4:24: “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth”).
•Psalm 29:2 repeats the identical call, reminding us that praise is due Him simply because He is worthy.
in the splendor of His holinessHow are we to worship? In the setting, atmosphere, and clothing of holiness.
• Holiness is God’s absolute moral perfection and utter separateness from sin (Exodus 15:11).
• “Splendor” points to the dazzling beauty radiating from that holiness. When we come before Him, the spotlight shifts from us to Him; our focus is on His majesty, not our performance.
•1 Chronicles 16:29, a parallel verse, urges, “Bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness”. The implication is that consecrated hearts are the required “clothing” for worship.
•Revelation 4:8 shows heavenly beings continuously declaring, “Holy, holy, holy,” underscoring that holiness is not merely one attribute among many—it is the atmosphere of God’s throne room.
Tremble before HimGenuine encounter with the Holy One produces awe-filled fear.
• The command to tremble confronts casual, self-centered religion. Reverence and humility should mark every gathering, song, or private devotion (Psalm 2:11: “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling”).
• Trembling is not terror that drives us away but reverent fear that draws us near in dependence and obedience (Isaiah 66:2).
• Even prophets felt this weight: “I heard and my inward parts trembled” (Habakkuk 3:16). If spiritual giants trembled, how much more should we?
all the earthThe scope is universal. This is not an ethnic or regional faith; it is a global summons.
• God’s plan has always aimed at the nations.Isaiah 45:22 calls, “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.”
• The psalmist pictures the entire planet bursting into song (Psalm 98:4).
• The New Testament confirms the same destiny: “Every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11).
•Revelation 15:4 peers ahead to the fulfillment: “All nations will come and worship before You”.
summaryPsalm 96:9 is a four-fold, life-shaping command: Give exclusive, wholehearted worship to the LORD; approach Him clothed in the radiant beauty of His purity; do so with trembling awe; and recognize that this call embraces every person on earth. We are invited to join the worldwide, age-long chorus that magnifies the holy splendor of our incomparable God.
(9)
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.--Better,
Bow before Jehovah in holy attire.But the LXX. and Vulgate have as in margin.
Fear before him.--Or literally,let all the earth be moved before his face.
Verse 9. -
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (comp.
1 Chronicles 16:29;
Psalm 29:2). This is generally explained as "holiday attire." or "in vestments suited to holy service," but may include, besides vestments, the other material accessories of Divine worship.
Fear before him, all the earth; or,
tremble before him (comp.
Psalm 97:4). The fear of God is constantly inculcated by the psalmists, not only as "the beginning of wisdom" (
Psalm 111:10), but as required of every man during his whole life (
Psalm 19:9;
Psalm 34:9;
Psalm 40:3;
Psalm 64:9;
Psalm 86:11;
Psalm 119:63, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Worshipהִשְׁתַּחֲו֣וּ(hiš·ta·ḥă·wū)Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7812:To depress, prostratethe LORDלַ֭יהוָה(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelin the splendorבְּהַדְרַת־(bə·haḏ·raṯ-)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1927:Adornment, gloryof His holiness;קֹ֑דֶשׁ(qō·ḏeš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctitytrembleחִ֥ילוּ(ḥî·lū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 2342:To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervertbefore Him,מִ֝פָּנָ֗יו(mip·pā·nāw)Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440:The faceallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe earth.הָאָֽרֶץ׃(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land
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OT Poetry: Psalm 96:9 Worship Yahweh in holy array (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
