PSALM 96: Worship in the BEAUTY OF HOLINESS

Psalm 96:

 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness:

vs.9

"The substance of this psalm, and portions of Psalms 97, 98, 100 are found (in 1 Chron. Chapter 16), which was used by David’s direction in the dedication of the tabernacle on Mt. Zion.
This Psalm is evidently taken from that sacred song which was composed by David at the time when "the ark of God was set in the midst of the tent which David had prepared for it, and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God." See the sixteenth chapter of the first book of the Chronicles.

I.          The Proclamation of Praise (96:1-6).

O sing unto the LORD a new song: vs.1

 A.  The Invitation to Praise (96:1-3);

...sing unto the LORD, all the earth. vs.1

 B.   The Recipient of Praise (96:4-6).

For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: vs.4

II.         The Exhortation to Worship (96:7-13).

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: vs.8

 A.  Worship from the Gentile Nations (96:7-10);

Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people. vs.7

 B.   Worship from Personified Nature (96:7-13).

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; vs.11"

Verse 9. 0 worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.  Beauty of architecture and apparel he does not regard; moral and spiritual beauty is that in which his soul delighteth. Worship must not be rendered to God in a slovenly, sinful, superficial manner; we must be reverent, sincere, earnest, and pure in heart both in our prayers and praises. Purity is the white linen of the Lord's choristers, righteousness is the comely garment of his priests, holiness is the royal apparel of his servants. Fear before him, all the earth. "Tremble" is the word in the original, and it expresses the profoundest awe, just as the word "worship" does, which would be more accurately translated by "bow down."

Honor and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Vs.6

BooksOfTheBible/CharlesSpurgeon