Psalm 96 12

Psalm 96:12 kjv

Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

Psalm 96:12 nkjv

Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the LORD.

Psalm 96:12 niv

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Psalm 96:12 esv

let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

Psalm 96:12 nlt

Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
Let the trees of the forest sing for joy

Psalm 96 verses

Psalm 96 12 Meaning

Psalm 96:12 declares a call for the entire natural world—the fields, their inhabitants, and the trees of the forest—to exult, sing for joy, and celebrate. This joyous expectation is rooted in the anticipation of the Lord's imminent arrival to judge and rule the earth. It portrays a cosmic symphony of creation praising its Creator and righteous King, whose coming brings about perfect order and justice.

Psalm 96 12 Context

Psalm 96 is a universal call to worship the Lord, presented as a "new song" that anticipates God's coming reign and judgment. It serves as an invitation to all the earth—not just Israel—to acknowledge and adore God's unparalleled greatness. The psalm moves from celebrating God's creative power and incomparable glory (vv. 4-6) in contrast to the worthless idols of other nations (vv. 5), to declaring His sovereignty and ultimate purpose as Judge of all the earth (vv. 10-13). Verse 12 fits within this grand eschatological vision, portraying creation itself joyfully responding to the impending advent of the Lord. Historically, it reflects Israel's understanding of God as sovereign over all nations and creation, often associated with a prophetic longing for a future messianic kingdom.

Psalm 96 12 Word analysis

• Let the field exult (יַעֲלֹץ שָׂדַי - ya'alots saday):
  • Ya'alots (יַעֲלֹץ) means to exult, rejoice, triumph, or shout for joy. It denotes exuberant, unrestrained delight, often implying a victorious or triumphant state. It conveys a deep, inward sense of joy bursting forth.
  • Saday (שָׂדַי) refers to a cultivated field, the countryside, or arable land. It signifies the place where humanity labors and from which sustenance is derived.
  • Significance: The personification of the field implies that even inanimate or natural elements deeply benefit from and participate in the Lord's coming. The fertility and productivity of the field, a critical aspect of life in the ancient world, are linked directly to God's blessing and righteousness. This subtly contrasts with pagan beliefs where fertility was often attributed to specific nature deities; here, the true God is the source of all flourishing.
• and everything that is in it (וְכָל-אֲשֶׁר-בּוֹ - v'kol-asher-bo):
  • This phrase extends the scope of the field's rejoicing to everything contained within it—its crops, produce, the living creatures that dwell there, and perhaps even the human communities dependent on it.
  • Significance: It emphasizes the comprehensive and holistic impact of God's reign. No part of creation is untouched by His benevolent and righteous presence.
• then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy (אָז יְרַנְּנוּ כָּל-עֲצֵי-יָעַר - az yerann'nu kol-atsei-ya'ar):
  • Az (אָז) functions as "then," indicating a consequential or immediate action following a preceding event (God's coming).
  • Yerann'nu (יְרַנְּנוּ) means they "sing for joy," "shout triumphantly," or "cry aloud." Similar to ya'alots, it conveys a loud, expressive outburst of happiness. The choice of "sing" further anthropomorphizes the trees.
  • Atsei-ya'ar (עֲצֵי-יָעַר) means "trees of the forest," referring to the wild, uncultivated woodlands, extending the praise beyond cultivated areas to the untamed wilderness.
  • Significance: This image paints a picture of creation actively participating in adoration, almost as if the wind rustling through leaves produces a song. The inclusion of the "forest" demonstrates the universal and untamed aspect of God's sovereignty—His rule extends over every domain, cultivated or wild. It reinforces the idea that all nature responds with delight to its rightful King.
• The imagery of creation's praise (field exulting, trees singing): This vivid personification highlights God's dominion over the natural world. It asserts that nature, being God's creation, intuitively recognizes and celebrates its Creator's majestic presence and righteous purpose. This active, joyful response from creation sets the stage for the declaration of God's coming judgment and righteous rule in verse 13. It speaks to a harmonious cosmic order established by God.

Psalm 96 12 Bonus section

The "singing of the trees" and "exultation of the field" in this psalm echoes prophetic anticipations of cosmic transformation and blessing under God's righteous reign, particularly in texts like Isaiah. It's not just a poetic flourish but reflects the biblical understanding that the Fall distorted not only humanity but creation itself (Rom 8:19-22). Therefore, God's full and righteous reign, which is yet to come, promises a restoration of creation to its harmonious, uncorrupted state, where it can fully glorify Him. The inclusion of wild nature ("trees of the forest") along with cultivated land ("field") underlines the universal scope of God's reign and its impact, showing that all aspects of creation eagerly await and participate in His rule. This passage reminds believers that hope is not merely for humanity's salvation but for the cosmic renewal that will occur when God's kingdom fully comes.

Psalm 96 12 Commentary

Psalm 96:12 vividly illustrates a profound theological truth: creation is not apathetic to its Maker but rather participates actively in His redemptive plan. The field, representing the cultivated and productive aspects of the earth, along with the untamed forest, representing wild nature, are depicted as being so profoundly affected by the Lord's anticipated arrival that they burst forth in joy and song. This joy is not a passive emotion but an active, overflowing expression of delight at God's righteous and restorative presence. The verse functions as a pre-echo of the ultimate day when the Lord comes to establish His kingdom of perfect justice and righteousness, signifying a complete cosmic reordering where every created thing aligns in joyful homage to its true King. This also serves as a polemic against the lifeless idols worshipped by nations, demonstrating that only the living God can bring such vibrancy and joy to the entire cosmos.