96:1 new song. This is the third of six references in the Psalms to a “new song” (see also Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1).

96:5 gods. The name “God” (elohim) is the same as “gods” in the Hebrew, where the context determines which is the meaning in a given verse. However, all other “gods” than the true God—whether Baal of the ancient Phoenicians or Darwin of the modern Darwinians or whatever pantheistic “god” may be fashionable in a given time and place—are nothing but idols (that is, “vanities”). The true God of creation, Jehovah, is the one who made the universe. All other “gods” are mere anthropomorphisms, or personifications of the forces and systems of nature. If men will not worship the true God of creation, then they must worship His creation (Romans 1:25), assuming some form of evolution as the “creator” of all things.

96:10 not be moved. See note on Psalm 93:1.

96:11 earth be glad. The heavens, earth, sea, fields and trees (Psalm 96:12) will join all nature in rejoicing when the Lord finally comes (Psalm 96:13) to remove their curse.