Meaning of Psalms 96:6

Psalms 96:6 proclaims the inherent and awe-inspiring attributes of God as revealed in His presence and dwelling place. The verse asserts that "splendor and majesty" are perpetually present before Him, indicating that these are not temporary qualities but fundamental aspects of His being. Similarly, "strength and glory" reside within His sanctuary, which can be understood both as the physical temple in ancient Israel and, more broadly, as His divine dwelling, His very essence, and the place where His people encounter Him. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of God's supreme worthiness of worship and adoration, drawing attention to the profound beauty, power, and honor that characterize His divine nature.

Context and Background

Psalms 96 is a psalm of worship, likely used in temple liturgy, calling all nations to praise the Lord. It begins with a call to "Sing to the Lord a new song" (v. 1) and emphasizes His reign and righteous judgment. The verse in question, 96:6, is situated within a section that describes the visible manifestations of God's presence and power. It bridges the universal call to worship with a more specific focus on the divine attributes that make Him worthy of such praise. The concept of God's "sanctuary" in the Old Testament most directly refers to the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem, the earthly dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes are divine glory, majesty, strength, and presence. "Splendor and majesty" speak to God's magnificent appearance, His regal bearing, and the overwhelming beauty and grandeur associated with His being. "Strength and glory" highlight His inherent power and the honor and renown that naturally emanate from Him. The phrase "before him" suggests an omnipresent quality of these attributes, while "in his sanctuary" points to the specific locus where His presence is most powerfully experienced and acknowledged by humanity. The verse asserts that these are not mere adornments but intrinsic aspects of God's character and being.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls believers to recognize and acknowledge the inherent greatness of God. It encourages a mindset of reverence and awe when approaching God, whether in personal prayer, corporate worship, or in contemplating His creation. The "sanctuary" can be understood today as any place or moment where one experiences God's presence more acutely—through Scripture, prayer, community, or even in the quietude of nature. It reminds us that God is not distant or ordinary, but inherently magnificent and powerful, deserving of our utmost devotion and worship.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This psalm's message of God's glorious reign and the attributes of His sanctuary aligns with the overarching biblical narrative of God's sovereignty and His desire for relationship with humanity. From the creation narrative where God's glory is evident in His works, to the establishment of the Tabernacle and Temple as places of His dwelling, and ultimately to the Incarnation of Jesus Christ (who is Himself the ultimate sanctuary and embodiment of God's glory and strength), the Bible consistently reveals God's magnificent nature and His presence among His people. This verse serves as a foundational statement that underpins later revelations of God's character.

Analogies

One analogy for "splendor and majesty are before him" is like the sun being the source of all light and warmth; its splendor is inherent and precedes any object it illuminates. Similarly, God's splendor and majesty are intrinsic to His being. For "strength and glory are in his sanctuary," consider a king whose palace is not only a place of residence but also the center of his power and the symbol of his authority; the strength and glory of the kingdom are most evident within its walls.

Relation to Other Verses

• Psalms 29:2: "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness." This verse echoes the idea of God's glory and the need for worship befitting His holiness.
• Psalms 90:17: "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." This psalm, while more focused on divine favor and human endeavor, implicitly acknowledges the Lord as the ultimate source of strength and success, aligning with the "strength" mentioned in 96:6.
• John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father full of grace and truth." This New Testament passage connects the idea of God's glory dwelling among His people (a spiritual sanctuary) with the person of Jesus Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16: "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" This verse extends the concept of God's sanctuary to the corporate body of believers, where His Spirit resides, implying that His splendor, strength, and glory are also manifested through His people.