Psalms
Chapter 96
This psalm calls the whole earth to sing a new song to the LORD and to tell every nation what he has done. It says the gods of other nations are only idols, while the LORD made the sky. It ends with the sea, the fields, and the trees celebrating because the LORD is coming to judge the earth fairly.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
1Sing a new song to the LORD. Sing to the LORD, everyone on earth.
2Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
2Sing to the LORD and praise his name. Tell people every single day how he saves.
3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
3Tell the nations how great he is. Tell all people about the wonderful things he has done.
The KJV word "heathen" here just means the other nations, the peoples who are not Israel. It does not mean uncivilized.
4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
4The LORD is great, and he deserves great praise. Honor him more than any other god.
5For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
5All the gods of the other nations are only idols. But the LORD made the skies.
6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
6Splendor and greatness stand before him. His holy place is full of strength and beauty.
7Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
7Families of every nation, give the LORD what he is due. Give him glory and strength.
8Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
8Give the LORD the glory his name deserves. Bring a gift and come into the courtyards of his house.
9O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
9Worship the LORD, who is holy and beautiful. Everyone on earth, stand before him in awe.
"Fear before him" in the KJV means deep respect and awe, not being scared.
10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
10Tell the nations, "The LORD is king!" The world is set firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge people fairly.
11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
11Let the skies be glad and the earth be happy. Let the sea and everything in it roar.
12Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
12Let the fields celebrate, and everything growing in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.
13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
13They will sing before the LORD, because he is coming. He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world rightly, and treat people with his truth.
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