Nothings, nonentities, a favourite description of idols in Isaiah's later prophecies. See eg Isa 41:24, and compare Le 19:4 26:1, 1Co 8:4-6 10:19. A less probable etymology of the Hebrew word makes it a diminutive of (אל) El, analogous to godlings as an expression of contempt. J. A. Alexander. (C.H. Spurgeon, TREASURY OF DAVID PSALM 96)
Their Elohim are elilim. See 1Ch 16:26. The word elilim occurs in two places in the Psalms, here and Ps 97:7. It is used most frequently by Isaiah, and properly signifies nothings, as St. Paul says, "an idol is nothing." (1Co 8:4.) Chr. Wordsworth.
Ps 96:5 is a notandum. What a tribute to astronomy is it that the Lord is so often done homage to as having made the heavens! Let the theology of nature be blended with the theology of conscience--a full recognition of the strength and the glory which shine palpably forth in the wonders of creation, with the spiritual offerings of holy worship and holy service. Thomas Chalmers.
Vertaling Bijbel, Kanttekeningen SV, [], Want al de goden der volken [5]zijn afgoden; maar de HEERE heeft [6]de hemelen gemaakt. 5. Of, nietig. Zie de aantekening bij 1 Sam.12:21, en Lev.19:4, en hfdst.95 vs.3. 6. Versta hierbij, en ook de aarde en de zee en alles wat er in is.
Or are "nothings" {אֱלִילִים "nihila", Tigurine version, Cocceius, Michaelis.}, nonentities; such as have not, and never had, any being, at least many of them, but in the fancies of men; and all of them such as have no divinity in them; an idol is nothing in the world, 1Co 8:4