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.
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God's Victory and Universal Salvation

1
A Psalm. 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. ​
2
The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. ​
3
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. ​

Call to Universal Praise and Worship

4
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
5
Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
6
With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. ​

Creation Anticipates the King's Judgment

7
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. ​
8
Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
9
Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. ​

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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