Splendor and majesty are before Him;
This phrase emphasizes the divine attributes of God, highlighting His glory and sovereign rule. In biblical context, "splendor" and "majesty" are often associated with God's presence, as seen in the visions of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-4) and John (Revelation 4:2-3). These terms convey the awe-inspiring nature of God, which is evident throughout Scripture. The imagery of splendor and majesty is also reminiscent of the descriptions of kingship in the ancient Near East, where rulers were often depicted with grandeur and authority. This reflects the understanding of God as the ultimate King, whose presence is marked by unparalleled glory.

strength and beauty fill His sanctuary.
The sanctuary refers to the holy place where God dwells, initially the tabernacle and later the temple in Jerusalem. "Strength" signifies God's power and might, which are central to His character and actions throughout the Bible, such as in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 15:2). "Beauty" in this context can be understood as the perfection and holiness of God's presence, which is both awe-inspiring and inviting. The combination of strength and beauty suggests a balance of power and grace, reflecting the nature of God as both just and merciful. This duality is seen in the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies both the strength of God in His authority and the beauty of God in His sacrificial love. The sanctuary, as a place of worship, symbolizes the meeting point between God and His people, where His attributes are fully displayed and experienced.

1. God (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, depicted as the source of splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty.

2. Sanctuary
Refers to the holy place where God's presence dwells, symbolizing His divine attributes and glory.

3. Psalmist
The author of the psalm, traditionally attributed to David, who calls for worship and recognition of God's greatness.Recognizing God's Majesty
Acknowledge the greatness and majesty of God in your daily life. Reflect on His attributes and how they manifest in creation and personal experiences.

Worship in the Sanctuary
Understand the importance of worshiping God in His sanctuary, whether in a physical church or in the spiritual sanctuary of your heart.

Strength and Beauty in God
Find strength and beauty in your relationship with God. Let His attributes inspire and transform your character and actions.

Holiness and Reverence
Approach God with a sense of holiness and reverence, recognizing His splendor and majesty as you engage in prayer and worship.

Living in Awe of God
Cultivate a lifestyle that reflects awe and reverence for God, allowing His majesty to influence your decisions and interactions with others.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 96:6?

2. How does Psalm 96:6 inspire us to recognize God's majesty in creation?

3. What does "splendor and majesty" reveal about God's character in Psalm 96:6?

4. How can we reflect God's "strength and beauty" in our daily lives?

5. Connect Psalm 96:6 to other scriptures highlighting God's majesty and strength.

6. How can worship incorporate the themes of strength and beauty from Psalm 96:6?

7. How does Psalm 96:6 reflect God's majesty and strength in the temple context?

8. What historical evidence supports the temple's splendor mentioned in Psalm 96:6?

9. How does Psalm 96:6 challenge modern views on divine glory and strength?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 96?

11. Is the Kingdom, Power, and Glory Thine forever?

12. What defines a sanctuary room?

13. Psalm 63:2 speaks of seeing God's power in the sanctuary--how could David witness this if he was exiled from the sanctuary?

14. What does the Bible mention about Lebanon?Splendor and majesty are before Him

“Splendor and majesty are before Him” (Psalm 96:6a).

• The psalmist pictures God’s immediate presence as wrapped in radiant glory, much like Psalm 104:1, “O LORD my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty.”

• This is no distant glow but an active display of who He is—similar to Isaiah 6:1 where Isaiah sees “the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the train of His robe filled the temple.”

• In Revelation 4:3 John describes the throne with jasper and carnelian brilliance, confirming that heavenly worship centers on God’s visible magnificence.

• Because splendor and majesty are “before Him,” anyone who approaches the Lord encounters these qualities; they are not accessories but essential traits of His divine nature.

• His grandeur invites reverence (Psalm 89:7) yet also assurance, since majesty coupled with perfect goodness means His rule is both powerful and benevolent.

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strength and beauty fill His sanctuary

“Strength and beauty fill His sanctuary” (Psalm 96:6b).

• The verse turns from God’s throne room to His dwelling place—first the earthly tabernacle, later the temple, and now the hearts of believers (1 Corinthians 6:19).

• “Strength” reminds us of Psalm 29:11, “The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace.” In worship we draw on His power, not our own efforts.

• “Beauty” (or “honor”) underscores that holiness is attractive, not austere, echoing Psalm 27:4: “to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.”

• Together, strength and beauty balance each other:

– Strength without beauty could intimidate.

– Beauty without strength would lack protection.

• When the church gathers, these twin qualities should permeate our worship—robust proclamation of truth (strength) joined with reverent, awe-filled adoration (beauty), just as Ephesians 3:20-21 praises Him “who is able to do immeasurably more… to Him be the glory in the church.”

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summary

Psalm 96:6 paints a two-part portrait of God: radiant majesty surrounding His throne and a sanctuary brimming with power and loveliness. Taken together, the verse calls worshipers to approach the Lord with reverent awe, confidence in His might, and delight in His beauty—knowing that the same God who dazzles heaven now dwells among and within His people.

(6) Honour . . . The whole universe displays Jehovah's majesty, but chiefly his sanctuary in Israel, where it is typified by the costly splendour of the building and its rites. So the version of Apollinaris, "Pureness and stately glory fit his shrine." The chronicler having adopted this psalm as suitable for the occasion when the ark was brought to Zion by David, has substituted "strength and gladness are in his place" possibly because the Temple was not built at that time.

Verse 6. - Honour and majesty are before him. Another paronomasia - hod ve-hadar. Dr. Kay translates, "grandeur and majesty;" Professor Cheyne, "glory and grandeur." Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. The original phrase used seems to have been, "Strength and gladness are in his place" (1 Chronicles 16:27) - terms suiting the simplicity of David's time. When the psalms came to be used in the temple service, loftier language was more fitting. The whole passage has probable reference to the glory of God as seated between the cherubim in the first temple.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Splendor
הוֹד־ (hō·wḏ-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1935: Splendor, majesty, vigor

and majesty
וְהָדָ֥ר (wə·hā·ḏār)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1926: Magnificence, ornament, splendor

are before Him;
לְפָנָ֑יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

strength
עֹ֥ז (‘ōz)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might

and beauty
וְ֝תִפְאֶ֗רֶת (wə·ṯip̄·’e·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8597: Beauty, glory

fill His sanctuary.
בְּמִקְדָּשֽׁוֹ׃ (bə·miq·dā·šōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4720: A consecrated thing, place, a palace, sanctuary, asylum


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OT Poetry: Psalm 96:6 Honor and majesty are before him (Psalm Ps Psa.)