Psalms – Chapter 96

Old Testament12 Verses

1For the same David, when his land was restored again to him. The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad.

2Clouds and darkness are round about him: justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.

3A fire shall go before him, and shall burn his enemies round about.

4His lightnings have shone forth to the world: the earth saw and trembled.

5The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.

6The heavens declared his justice: and all people saw his glory.

7Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, and that glory in their idols. Adore him, all you his angels:

8Sion heard, and was glad. And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, because of thy judgments, O Lord.

9For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods.

10You that love the Lord, hate evil: the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints, he will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner.

11Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart.

12Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Psalms Chapter 96 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Psalms Chapter 96. At the moral level, discernment and obedience to God challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 385).

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 721).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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