Psalms 96:4
For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
Psalms 96:4 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 96 is a call for all the earth to sing a new song to the Lord and to declare His glory among the nations. Verse 4 gives the reason for this universal worship: the Lord’s greatness and His supreme position above every so-called god. The psalmist’s words echo the praise offered when the ark was brought to Jerusalem, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:25, and they align with the declaration in Psalm 95:3 that the Lord is a great King above all gods.
Meaning
The first phrase, “the Lord is great,” points to God’s majesty, power, wisdom, and sovereignty. The Hebrew word for “great” conveys magnitude and excellency, reminding us that God is above all things and deserving of our highest reverence. Because He is great, He is “greatly to be praised“—worthy of exuberant, heartfelt, and continuous praise. Recognizing His greatness naturally leads to adoration and thanksgiving as an integral part of worship and spiritual life.
The final clause, “he is to be feared above all gods,” does not affirm the existence of other true gods. Rather, it refers to the false gods and idols of the nations, as well as any being that might be revered in His place. The fear described is not terror but profound reverence, awe, and respect in the presence of a holy and mighty God. The Lord is to be feared above all because He alone is the Creator; as Psalm 96:5 explains, all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
The Lord is great: This phrase emphasises the greatness and majesty of God, reminding us that He is above all things and deserving of our highest reverence and awe.
Greatly to be praised: The psalmist acknowledges that God is worthy of exuberant and heartfelt praise, implying that praising God should be an integral part of our worship and spiritual life.
He is to be feared above all gods: This statement highlights the supremacy of the Lord over all other gods or idols, asserting that the Lord surpasses them all.
Application
Recognise God’s greatness by taking time to reflect on His attributes, such as His love, faithfulness, and power. Allow these thoughts to inspire awe and wonder in your heart. Cultivate a lifestyle of praise by developing a habit of thanking and praising God throughout your day, not only in formal gatherings but also in private moments.
Avoid idols and false gods in their modern forms, such as material possessions, fame, or success. Be vigilant to identify anything that competes with God’s rightful place in your life, and commit yourself to serve and worship the one true God. Fear the Lord by recognising His authority and living in reverence towards Him, aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with His will.
As you experience God’s greatness in your life, share it with others. Let your testimony and words of praise be a witness to those around you, leading them to acknowledge and worship the one true God.
Reflection
Consider what competes for your heart’s devotion. The Lord alone is great and worthy of praise above all else. Let this truth shape your worship and your daily walk, so that your life reflects the reverence and awe that He deserves.
