Psalms 96 - Introduction

XCVI.

This “new song,” breathing indeed aspirations and hopes which were not wholly new to Israel, but ideal, and still waiting for their complete fulfilment, most probably dates, according to the conjecture of the LXX., from the rebuilding of the Temple after the Captivity. No one can miss the points of resemblance with the literature of that period, especially the evidence of deeper sympathy with nature, and extended interest in mankind. The outward world has become instinct with emotion, while the barrier of faith and feeling between Israel and other races is gradually breaking down.[18]

[18] The LXX. inconsistently go on to ascribe the Psalm to David, probably because of its insertion in 1 Chronicles 16.