TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
Complete Jewish Bible
A psalm: Sing a new song to ADONAI, because he has done wonders. His right hand, his holy arm have won him victory.
Berean Standard Bible
Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory.
American Standard Version
Oh sing unto Jehovah a new song; For he hath done marvellous things: His right hand, and his holy arm, hath wrought salvation for him.
World English Bible Messianic
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
A Psalme. Sing vnto the Lord a newe song: for hee hath done marueilous things: his right hand, and his holy arme haue gotten him the victorie.
Young's Literal Translation
A Psalm. Sing ye to Jehovah a new song, For wonders He hath done, Given salvation to Him hath His right hand and His holy arm.
In the KJVVerse 15,492 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 98 verses 1–3
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.
We are here called upon again to sing unto the Lord a new song, as before, Psa 96:1. "Sing a most excellent song, the best song you have." Let the song of Christ's love be like Solomon's on that subject, a song of songs. A song of praise for redeeming love is a new song, such a song as had not been sung before; for this is a mystery which was hidden from ages and generations. Converts sing a new song, very different from what they had sung; they change their wonder and change their joy, and therefore change their note. If the grace of God put a new heart into our breasts, it will therewith put a new song into our mouths. In the new Jerusalem there will be new songs sung, that will be new to eternity, and never wax old. Let this new song be sung to the praise of God, in consideration of these four things: -
I. The wonders he has wrought: He has done marvellous things, Psa 98:1. Note, The work of our salvation by Christ is a work of wonder. If we take a view of all the steps of it from the contrivance of it, and the counsels of God concerning it before all time, to the consummation of it, and its everlasting consequences when time shall be no more, we shall say, God has in it done marvellous things; it is all his doing and it is marvellous in our eyes. The more it is known the more it will be admired.
II. The conquests he has won: His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory. Our Redeemer has surmounted all the difficulties that lay in the way of our redemption, has broken through them all, and was not discouraged by the services or sufferings appointed him. He has subdued all the enemies that opposed it, has gotten the victory over Satan, disarmed him, and cast him out of his strong-holds, has spoiled principalities and powers (Col 2:15), has taken the prey from the mighty (Isa 49:24), and given death his death's wound. He has gotten a clear and complete victory, not only for himself, but for us also, for we through him are more than conquerors. He got this victory by his own power; there was none to help, none to uphold, none that durst venture into the service; but his right hand and his holy arm, which are always stretched out with good success, because they are never stretched out but in a good cause, these have gotten him the victory, have brought him relief or deliverance. God's power and faithfulness, called here his right hand and his holy arm, brought relief to the Lord Jesus, in raising him from the dead, and exalting him personally to the right hand of God; so Dr. Hammond.
III. The discoveries he has made to the world of the work of redemption. What he has wrought for us he has revealed to us, and both by his Son; the gospel-revelation is that on which the gospel-kingdom is founded - the word which God sent, Act 10:36. The opening of the sealed book is that which is to be celebrated with songs of praise (Rev 5:8), because by it was brought to light the mystery which had long been hid in God. Observe, 1. The subject of this discovery - his salvation and his righteousness, Psa 98:3. Righteousness and salvation are often put together; as Isa 61:10; Isa 46:13; Isa 51:5, Isa 51:6, Isa 51:8. Salvation denotes the redemption itself, and righteousness the way in which it was wrought, by the righteousness of Christ. Or the salvation includes all our gospel-privileges and the righteousness all our gospel-duties; both are made known, for God has joined them together, and we must not separate them. Or righteousness is here put for the way of our justification by Christ, which is revealed in the gospel to be by faith, Rom 1:17. 2. The plainness of this discovery. He has openly shown it, not in types and figures as under the law, but it is written as with a sunbeam, that he that runs may read it. Ministers are appointed to preach it with all plainness of speech. 3. The extent of this discovery. It is made in the sight of the heathen, and not of the Jews only: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God; for to the Gentiles was the word of salvation sent.
IV. The accomplishment of the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament, in this (Psa 98:3): He has remembered his mercy and his truth towards the house of Israel. God had mercy in store for the seed of Abraham, and had given them many and great assurances of the kindness he designed them in the latter days; and it was in pursuance of all those that he raised up his Son Jesus to be not only a light to lighten the Gentiles, but the glory of his people Israel; for he sent him, in the first place, to bless them. God is said, in sending Christ, to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember the holy covenant, Luk 1:72. It was in consideration of that, and not of their merit.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–3. Public domain.
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Eusebius of CaesareaAD 339
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 10:1
Along with my prayers I now add book 10 to the Church History and dedicate it to you, my most consecrated Paulinus, and blazon you as the seal of the whole work. It is appropriate that in a perfect number I shall here provide a completed account in celebration of the restoration of the churches, in obedience to the divine Spirit who urges us:
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things;
His right and his holy arm have wrought salvation for him.
The Lord has made known his salvation:
His righteousness he has revealed in the sight of the heathen.
Accordingly, let me now sing the new song, since after those grim and horrifying scenes and narratives, I was now privileged to see and to celebrate what many righteous people and martyrs of God before me desired to see but did not see and to hear but did not hear. But they hurried on to far better things in the heavens, caught up into a paradise of divine bliss, while I, admitting that even the present circumstances are more than I deserve, have been totally astonished at the magnitude of grace he has conferred and offer him my total awe and worship, confirming the truth of the prophecies that declare:
Come and behold the works of the Lord,
What wonders he has wrought on the earth,
Making wars to cease to the ends of the world.
He will break the bow and shatter the spear,
And the shields he will burn with fire.
Rejoicing that all this has been clearly fulfilled, let me proceed with my narrative.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 98
"O sing unto the Lord a new song" [Psalm 98:1]. The new man knows this, the old man knows it not. The old man is the old life, and the new man the new life: the old life is derived from Adam, the new life is formed in Christ. But in this Psalm, the whole world is enjoined to sing a new song. More openly elsewhere the words are these: "O sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth;" that they who cut themselves off from the communion of the whole earth, may understand that they cannot sing the new song, because it is sung in the whole, and not in a part of it. Attend here also, and see that this is said. And when the whole earth is enjoined to sing a new song, it is meant, that peace sings a new song. "For He has done marvelous things." What marvelous things? Behold, the Gospel was just now being read, and we heard the marvellous things of the Lord. The only son of his mother, who was a widow, was being carried out dead: the Lord, in compassion, made them stand still; they laid him down, and the Lord said, "Young man, I say unto you, Arise." [Luke 7:12-14] ..."The Lord has done marvellous things." What marvellous things? Hear: "His own right hand, and His holy arm, has healed for Him." What is the Lord's holy Arm? Our Lord Jesus Christ. Hear Isaiah: "Who has believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" [Isaiah 53:1] His holy arm then, and His own right hand, is Himself. Our Lord Jesus Christ is therefore the arm of God, and the right hand of God; for this reason is it said, "has He healed for Him." It is not said only, "His right hand has healed the world," but "has healed for Him." For many are healed for themselves, not for Him. Behold how many long for that bodily health, and receive it from Him: they are healed by Him, but not for Him. How are they healed by Him, and not for Him? When they have received health, they become wanton: they who when sick were chaste, when cured become adulterers: they who when in illness injured no man, on the recovery of their strength attack and crush the innocent: they are healed, but not unto Him. Who is he who is healed unto Him? He who is healed inwardly. Who is he that is healed inwardly? He who trusts in Him, that when he shall have been healed inwardly, reformed into a new man, afterwards this mortal flesh too, which does languish for a time, may in the end itself even recover its most perfect health. Let us therefore be healed for Him. But that we may be healed for Him, let us believe in His right hand.
Peter ChrysologusAD 450
SERMON 6
“Sing joyfully to God, all the earth.” What is it that an understanding of this great joy is likely to make clear? Why is it that, after God gave commandments so great, so terrifying and so awesome, he now invites the earth to a shout of joy? “Sing joyfully to God, all the earth,” the text reads.What other reason is there than the following? The awesome God later on chose the role of a very gentle shepherd. He assumed this character in order to act as a merciful shepherd and gather together, like straggling sheep into one fold, those wandering peoples, those straying nations, those tribes scattered far and wide. Yes, more, he wanted to lead back to the use of milk and grass and restore those wild nations that were languishing after the prey of a carcass, the eating of flesh, the drinking of blood and the fury of beasts. Briefly, he desired to make them once more truly humble sheep.
“All the earth sing joyfully to God,” he says, and by this command he imposes his shepherdly control on all the earth. The resounding trumpet draws the soldier forth to war; just so does the sweetness of this jubilant call invite the sheep to pasture. How fitting it was to mitigate the din of fighting by shepherdly kindness, in order that such gentle grace might save the nations that their own natural wildness had long been destroying.
CassiodorusAD 585
EXPOSITIONS OF THE PSALMS 97:4
The phrase “Sing and exult and play the lyre” follows. Although these words seem to be similar, nonetheless they are separated by some distinction. Singing is shouting the praises to the Lord, as is befitting for the mouth of a serious Christian to do. Exulting is declaring the vows of the mind with great affection. Playing the lyre is fulfilling the commandments of the Lord with good deeds. As to the fact that he admonishes this to be done so many times, it is because we must rejoice there in a diverse variety of virtues.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalm 98:1 issues a vibrant and universal call to worship, urging all creation to sing a "new song" to the Lord. This command is rooted in the profound recognition of God's unparalleled power and His decisive acts of salvation throughout history. The verse powerfully declares that the Lord Himself, through His inherent strength and righteous intervention, has secured ultimate victory, setting the foundational tone for a psalm that celebrates His sovereign reign and redemptive justice over all the earth.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 98 belongs to a distinct collection of "Enthronement Psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-99), which collectively celebrate Yahweh as the reigning King over all creation. These psalms often feature a cosmic invitation to worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty, His past acts of deliverance, and His future coming in judgment and righteousness. Psalm 98 specifically echoes the themes of divine kingship and universal praise found in Psalm 96 and Psalm 97. The opening verse immediately sets a tone of triumphant adoration, inviting the community to respond with fresh praise to God's demonstrated power and faithfulness, leading into a broader proclamation of His salvation and justice to the ends of the earth, culminating in the anticipation of His righteous judgment of the world.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, kingship was a central concept, often associated with military might, justice, and the well-being of the kingdom. Israel's understanding of God as King, however, transcended these earthly paradigms. Yahweh's kingship was not merely political but cosmic, extending over all nations and creation. The imagery of the "right hand" and "holy arm" was a common anthropomorphic representation of divine power and active intervention in ancient cultures, symbolizing strength, authority, and decisive action. For Israel, this imagery would have resonated deeply with historical deliverances, such as the Exodus, where God's "strong hand and outstretched arm" (e.g., Deuteronomy 5:15) brought them out of bondage, underscoring that their salvation was solely by divine might, not human strength or military prowess. This context highlights the unique nature of Israel's God, whose power is always exercised in holiness and for redemptive purposes.
Key Themes: This opening verse introduces several pivotal themes that permeate Psalm 98 and the broader biblical narrative. The call to "sing unto the LORD a new song" signifies a fresh, dynamic, and heartfelt response to God's ongoing revelation and mighty acts, implying a worship that is not rote but born of renewed experience and understanding of His greatness, as also seen in Psalm 33:3. This "newness" is a direct result of the "marvellous things" God has done, highlighting His supernatural and awe-inspiring deeds, particularly His acts of salvation and judgment that demonstrate His unique power, wisdom, and redemptive purpose in history. Finally, the powerful imagery of "his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory" emphasizes God's irresistible strength and His sole agency in securing deliverance and triumph. This theme of divine might and victory is a cornerstone of Israel's theology, beautifully illustrated in Exodus 15:6, which celebrates God's decisive intervention at the Red Sea.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 98:1 employs several powerful Literary Devices to convey its message with impact. Anthropomorphism is prominently featured in the phrases "his right hand" and "his holy arm," attributing human body parts and actions to God. This is not to suggest God has a physical body, but rather to vividly portray His immense power, active involvement, and direct intervention in human affairs in a way comprehensible to human understanding. The "right hand" and "holy arm" also function as potent Metaphors for God's irresistible might, authority, and righteous power, symbolizing His capacity to secure victory and perform wonders. The opening "O sing unto the LORD a new song" serves as a direct Imperative, a command that urges an immediate and profound response from the audience, effectively setting the tone for the entire psalm as a fervent call to worship. Finally, the declaration "for he hath done marvellous things" functions as a Reason Clause or Justification, providing the theological basis and compelling motivation for the preceding command to sing, grounding the call to worship in God's undeniable acts of power and salvation.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 98:1 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power and His active role in salvation history, connecting deeply with the broader biblical narrative of divine intervention and ultimate triumph. The "new song" theme resonates throughout Scripture, often marking a fresh act of redemption or a new covenant relationship, signifying a renewed outpouring of praise for God's faithfulness. God's "marvellous things" are a continuous thread, from creation to the Exodus, to the establishment of Israel, and ultimately to the coming of Christ, demonstrating His consistent character as a wonder-working God. The imagery of God's "right hand" and "holy arm" underscores His unique agency in salvation, a concept foundational to understanding His character as the sole deliverer and the source of all true victory. This verse emphasizes that true victory and salvation originate from God alone, not from human strength or strategy, inviting a response of complete trust and joyful worship from all creation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 98:1 is a profound invitation to cultivate a vibrant and continually renewed spirit of worship. It challenges us to move beyond stagnant or routine expressions of praise and to respond with fresh enthusiasm to God's ongoing presence and His mighty works in our lives and in the world. In an age often marked by human striving, self-reliance, and the pursuit of earthly power, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that ultimate victory and true salvation belong to the Lord alone. It encourages us to fix our gaze on His "marvellous things"—His past faithfulness, His present intervention, and His future triumph—rather than on our own limitations or the overwhelming challenges we face. When we recognize that His "right hand" and "holy arm" are still active, securing victory and performing wonders on behalf of His people, our hearts are stirred to joyful adoration and confident trust. This realization inspires us to live lives that reflect His glory and boldly proclaim His deeds to a world desperately in need of His salvation and sovereign rule.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "sing unto the LORD a new song"?
Answer: To "sing unto the LORD a new song" is not simply about composing a never-before-heard melody, though it can include that. Theologically, it signifies a fresh, spontaneous, and heartfelt expression of praise that arises from a renewed experience of God's grace, a deeper understanding of His character, or a profound recognition of His recent or ongoing acts of deliverance and salvation. It implies a worship that is dynamic, authentic, and responsive to God's continuous revelation and intervention in the world. It is a song born from a transformed heart, acknowledging God's faithfulness and His "marvellous things" (as mentioned in Psalm 98:1). This concept is echoed in other psalms, such as Psalm 40:3, where a new song is placed in the mouth of the one delivered, signifying a fresh testimony of God's saving power.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 98:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "new song" anticipated by the Psalmist is sung most gloriously in response to the "marvellous things" God has done through His Son. Christ's incarnation, His perfect life, His atoning death on the cross, and His triumphant resurrection are the supreme "marvellous things" that demand an eternally "new song" from all creation. It is through Christ that God's "right hand" and "holy arm" have truly "gotten him the victory" – a victory not just over earthly foes, but over sin, death, and the powers of darkness (as seen in Colossians 2:15). His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's invincible power, securing eternal redemption for all who believe (Hebrews 9:12). The victory spoken of in Psalm 98:1 culminates in Christ, who holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18), establishing His eternal reign and inviting a new covenant people to sing a song of redemption to the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:9).