Psalms 96:13 - Exposition

For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth (see above, Psalms 96:10 ). This is given as the reason for the burst of joy. God's coming to judgment is the establishment of moral order in the place of moral disorder upon the earth, and the inauguration of a reign of love, peace, and happiness (comp. Isaiah 65:18-25 ). He shall judge the world with righteousness (see above, Psalms 96:10 , and comp. Psalms 9:8 ). The judgment which the psalmist has specially in view is, "not a retributive, but a gracious judging, by which controversies are adjusted and prevented, and the law of love introduced into the life of the people" (Hengstenberg). And the people with his truth; rather, the peoples; i.e. all the nations on the face of the earth.