O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Psalms 98 is a vibrant song of praise, an "enthronement psalm" (similar to Psalms 24, 27, 93, 95-97, and 99) celebrating God's sovereign rule over all the earth and anticipating His coming in righteous judgment. It calls for a global chorus of worship, acknowledging God's mighty acts and His unwavering love. This psalm may have been inspired by a specific historical event, such as a victory over Israel's enemies, or perhaps the return of the Jewish people from their exile in Babylon (Ezra 2:1). Regardless of its immediate context, it points to a grander reality: the Lord's ultimate reign.
A New Song for a New Victory (Psalms 98:1-3)
The psalm begins with a call to sing a "new song" to the Lord (Psalms 98:1). This isn't just about musical novelty; it's about recognizing fresh reasons to worship God. His victorious wonders, accomplished by His own power (symbolized by His "right hand"), demand a renewed expression of praise. The "right hand" is a common ancient reference to someone's primary power. God's salvation isn't a secret, hidden affair; it's a public display of His faithfulness, witnessed by the nations (Psalms 98:2). The ends of the earth have seen His salvation. All have seen God’s faithfulness to the house of Israel (Psalms 98:3). Despite the opposition of their enemies, Israel was repeatedly delivered, demonstrating God's unwavering care for His people.
A Universal Call to Worship (Psalms 98:4-6)
Having seen God’s marvelous deeds, everyone on the planet should give praise to God (Psalms 98:4). In response to these amazing acts, the entire world is called to worship. Let the earth break forth in joyful song! The psalmist urges everyone to make a "joyful noise" unto the Lord, with loud and enthusiastic praise. This isn't a polite, restrained acknowledgement; it's an overflowing expression of gratitude that bursts forth from a thankful heart. Accompany your praises with instruments—harps, trumpets, and horns (Psalms 98:5-6)—let the music amplify the joy!
Creation Joins the Anthem (Psalms 98:7-8)
The scope of worship extends beyond humanity. Creation itself is invited to shout for joy over the glory of its Creator. The sea, the world, and those who dwell in them, and the floods should clap their hands (Psalms 98:7-8). The natural world echoes the praise of humanity, rejoicing in the Lord's reign. This symbolic natural noise is awareness that God is coming to earth for judgment.
The Lord's Righteous Judgment (Psalms 98:9)
The psalm culminates with the anticipation of the Lord's coming to judge the earth (Psalms 98:9). This isn't a cause for fear, but for rejoicing. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. His judgment is just, fair, and ultimately for the good of all. When the Messiah comes to rule on earth with his rod of iron in his kingdom, it will be too late to join him. “Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Psalms 98 is a powerful reminder that God's reign is not just a future hope, but a present reality. It calls us to join the universal chorus of praise, acknowledging His mighty acts, His unwavering love, and His righteous judgment. It encourages us to not delay to worship the Lord and receive him as King. Let us sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done marvelous things!
O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Psalms 98 is a vibrant song of praise, an "enthronement psalm" (similar to Psalms 24, 27, 93, 95-97, and 99) celebrating God's sovereign rule over all the earth and anticipating His coming in righteous judgment. It calls for a global chorus of worship, acknowledging God's mighty acts and His unwavering love. This psalm may have been inspired by a specific historical event, such as a victory over Israel's enemies, or perhaps the return of the Jewish people from their exile in Babylon (Ezra 2:1). Regardless of its immediate context, it points to a grander reality: the Lord's ultimate reign.
A New Song for a New Victory (Psalms 98:1-3)
The psalm begins with a call to sing a "new song" to the Lord (Psalms 98:1). This isn't just about musical novelty; it's about recognizing fresh reasons to worship God. His victorious wonders, accomplished by His own power (symbolized by His "right hand"), demand a renewed expression of praise. The "right hand" is a common ancient reference to someone's primary power. God's salvation isn't a secret, hidden affair; it's a public display of His faithfulness, witnessed by the nations (Psalms 98:2). The ends of the earth have seen His salvation. All have seen God’s faithfulness to the house of Israel (Psalms 98:3). Despite the opposition of their enemies, Israel was repeatedly delivered, demonstrating God's unwavering care for His people.
A Universal Call to Worship (Psalms 98:4-6)
Having seen God’s marvelous deeds, everyone on the planet should give praise to God (Psalms 98:4). In response to these amazing acts, the entire world is called to worship. Let the earth break forth in joyful song! The psalmist urges everyone to make a "joyful noise" unto the Lord, with loud and enthusiastic praise. This isn't a polite, restrained acknowledgement; it's an overflowing expression of gratitude that bursts forth from a thankful heart. Accompany your praises with instruments—harps, trumpets, and horns (Psalms 98:5-6)—let the music amplify the joy!
Creation Joins the Anthem (Psalms 98:7-8)
The scope of worship extends beyond humanity. Creation itself is invited to shout for joy over the glory of its Creator. The sea, the world, and those who dwell in them, and the floods should clap their hands (Psalms 98:7-8). The natural world echoes the praise of humanity, rejoicing in the Lord's reign. This symbolic natural noise is awareness that God is coming to earth for judgment.
The Lord's Righteous Judgment (Psalms 98:9)
The psalm culminates with the anticipation of the Lord's coming to judge the earth (Psalms 98:9). This isn't a cause for fear, but for rejoicing. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. His judgment is just, fair, and ultimately for the good of all. When the Messiah comes to rule on earth with his rod of iron in his kingdom, it will be too late to join him. “Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Psalms 98 is a powerful reminder that God's reign is not just a future hope, but a present reality. It calls us to join the universal chorus of praise, acknowledging His mighty acts, His unwavering love, and His righteous judgment. It encourages us to not delay to worship the Lord and receive him as King. Let us sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done marvelous things!