How does Psalm 96:7 connect with the worship themes in Revelation 4:11? worship snapshots: Psalm 96:7 and Revelation 4:11 Psalm 96:7: “Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.” Revelation 4:11: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and came to be.” shared vocabulary of praise • Both texts use overlapping language—“glory,” “strength/power,” “honor”—underlining that the content of worship has not changed from David’s era to John’s vision. • “Ascribe” in Psalm 96 functions the same way as “receive” in Revelation 4: an intentional act of attributing what already belongs to God. global invitation, cosmic fulfillment • Psalm 96:7 calls “families of the nations” to worship; Revelation 4:11 shows that invitation fulfilled as heavenly beings represent all creation before the throne (cf. Revelation 5:9–10). • The psalm looks forward; the apocalypse shows the end result. creation as the grounds for worship • Psalm 96 roots its call in who the LORD is, implicitly the Creator (see Psalm 96:5). • Revelation 4:11 makes that basis explicit: “for You created all things.” • Other witnesses: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 42:5; Colossians 1:16–17; Romans 11:36. authority and worthiness • “Glory” and “strength/power” in Psalm 96 point to God’s unmatched authority (cf. 1 Chronicles 29:11). • Revelation 4:11’s “worthy” confirms that God alone deserves these attributes because He alone possesses them inherently (cf. Isaiah 48:11). progression from temple court to heavenly throne • Psalm 96 evokes the earthly sanctuary and festival procession (see Psalm 96:8). • Revelation 4 transports worship into the true Holy of Holies, the very throne room of God (cf. Hebrews 8:5; 9:24). practical takeaways for today • Our worship joins an unbroken chorus that began in the psalms and continues in heaven. • Recognizing God as Creator anchors praise in objective reality, not shifting emotion. • When we “ascribe” glory, we are aligning ourselves with the eternal verdict already declared around the throne. |
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