Psalm 96, known as Psalm 95 in the Septuagint and Vulgate, is a vibrant hymn of praise from the Book of Psalms. It calls upon all the earth to sing a new song to the Lord, proclaim his salvation, and acknowledge his kingship over creation. The responsorial form provided—verses 1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10, with the refrain from verse 3, "Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples"—emphasises missionary zeal and universal worship.

The psalm's origins trace back to King David, composed during the triumphant procession of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33. Though unattributed in the Hebrew text, it forms part of David's song of thanksgiving. Scholars classify it among the "enthronement psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-99), likely post-exilic in its final form, celebrating Yahweh's sovereignty against pagan idols. It echoes themes from Second Isaiah, affirming God as the sole creator and judge, inviting all nations to worship him.

In the liturgy, Psalm 96 appears in various contexts, such as the Christmas Offertory antiphon ("Laetentur caeli") and confirmation rites, underscoring God's glory and the call to evangelise. Its significance for the Mass of Saint Cuthbert, Bishop and Patron of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, lies in its resonance with Cuthbert's life (c. 634-687). A Northumbrian shepherd turned monk, hermit, and bishop of Lindisfarne, Cuthbert was renowned for his piety, miracles, and missionary work, spreading Christianity across remote regions. The psalm's exhortation to proclaim God's wonders "among all the peoples" mirrors Cuthbert's evangelistic efforts, while affirming divine kingship aligns with his role in upholding faith amid pagan influences. Celebrated on 20 March, this psalm invites the faithful to emulate Cuthbert's proclamation of God's reign, fostering diocesan devotion to their patron.