Psalms98

Psalms 98 calls for a new song to the LORD, celebrating His marvelous deeds and the victory achieved by His holy arm. It proclaims that the LORD has revealed His salvation and righteousness to all nations, remembering His mercy to Israel. Therefore, all the earth, along with creation itself, is exhorted to make a joyful noise and praise the LORD, for He comes to judge the world with righteousness and equity.

God's Victory and Universal Salvation

1
A psalm: Sing a new song to ADONAI, because he has done wonders. His right hand, his holy arm have won him victory. ​
2
ADONAI has made known his victory; revealed his vindication in full view of the nations, ​
3
remembered his grace and faithfulness to the house of Isra'el. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. ​

Call to Universal Praise and Worship

4
Shout for joy to ADONAI, all the earth! Break forth, sing for joy, sing praises!
5
Sing praises to ADONAI with the lyre, with the lyre and melodious music!
6
With trumpets and the sound of the shofar, shout for joy before the king, ADONAI! ​

Creation Anticipates the King's Judgment

7
Let the sea roar, and everything in it; the world, and those living in it. ​
8
Let the floods clap their hands; let the mountains sing together for joy
9
before ADONAI, for he has come to judge the earth; he will judge the world rightly and the peoples fairly. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 98

Verse 1

The call for a 'new song' signifies a response to a fresh, magnificent act of salvation. The 'right hand' and 'holy arm' are anthropomorphic metaphors emphasizing God's personal power and divine strength in achieving victory.

Verse 2

God’s saving power is openly revealed, making his 'righteousness'—meaning his covenant faithfulness and just governance—visible to the entire world, including the Gentile nations ('heathen').

Verse 3

The basis for this universal display of salvation is God’s steadfast covenant love (mercy/hesed) and faithfulness (truth/emeth) toward Israel. This fidelity ensures the promised blessing extends globally.

Verse 6

The instruction to use trumpets and the cornet (shophar) links this praise explicitly to royal acclamation and divine kingship, urging the people to honor the LORD as 'the King.'

Verse 7

This verse broadens the scope of worship beyond humanity, urging the sea and all creation to participate in joyous praise, a common feature in the enthronement Psalms.

Verse 9

The ultimate reason for the cosmic celebration is the anticipation of the Lord’s arrival as sovereign Judge and King. This judgment is understood biblically not merely as condemnation, but as the establishment of perfect justice and order throughout the world.

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