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
Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand, and his holy arm, have worked salvation for him. ​
2
The LORD has made known his salvation. He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations. ​
3
He has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness 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 to the LORD, all the earth! Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!
5
Sing praises to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the voice of melody.
6
With shofars and sound of the ram’s horn, make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. ​

Creation Anticipates the King's Judgment

7
Let the sea roar with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein. ​
8
Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the mountains sing for joy together.
9
Let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples 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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