Psalms 98:1

¶ 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.

A Psalm {H4210}. O sing {H7891} unto the LORD {H3068} a new {H2319} song {H7892}; for he hath done {H6213} marvellous things {H6381}: his right hand {H3225}, and his holy {H6944} arm {H2220}, hath gotten him the victory {H3467}.

A psalm: Sing a new song to ADONAI, because he has done wonders. His right hand, his holy arm have won him victory.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory.

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.

Psalm 98:1 issues a vibrant call to worship, urging all to praise the LORD for His incredible acts of salvation and power. This verse sets the tone for a psalm that celebrates God's universal reign and His justice.

Context of Psalm 98:1

Psalm 98 belongs to a group often referred to as the "Enthronement Psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-99), which celebrate God as King, reigning over all creation. It likely served as a liturgical song, inviting the community to acknowledge God's sovereign power and His past and future acts of deliverance. The psalm's opening verse immediately establishes a theme of triumphant praise, stemming from a profound recognition of God's divine intervention in human history and His faithfulness to His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • A Call to Fresh Worship: The command to "sing unto the LORD a new song" is not merely about composing new music, but about expressing a fresh, heartfelt response to God's ongoing works and revelations. It implies a worship that is dynamic, enthusiastic, and born out of a renewed understanding of His greatness. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 33:3, urging a skillful and joyful sound.
  • God's Marvellous Deeds: The phrase "for he hath done marvellous things" points to God's supernatural and awe-inspiring acts throughout history, particularly His acts of salvation and judgment that demonstrate His unique power and wisdom. These are not ordinary events but divine interventions that reveal His character and purpose.
  • Divine Victory and Power: The powerful imagery of "his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory" is an anthropomorphic representation of God's irresistible strength and His active role in securing deliverance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the "right hand" symbolized power and authority, and the "arm" represented strength and might. This signifies that God alone is the source of true salvation and triumph, not human effort or military might. This concept is beautifully illustrated in Exodus 15:6, which celebrates God's powerful right hand in the Red Sea deliverance.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew phrase for "new song" is shir chadash (שִׁיר חָדָשׁ). While "new" can simply mean recently composed, in a theological context, it often signifies a song born from a new experience of God's grace, a fresh revelation, or a monumental act of deliverance that demands a renewed expression of praise.
  • "Marvellous things" translates the Hebrew word niphla'ot (נִפְלָאוֹת), which denotes wonders, miracles, or extraordinary deeds that evoke astonishment and reverence, highlighting God's unique ability to transcend natural limitations.
  • The "right hand" (yamin, יָמִין) and "holy arm" (zeroa' qodesh, זְרוֹעַ קֹדֶשׁ) are powerful metaphors for God's strength, authority, and active intervention. The addition of "holy" emphasizes the divine purity and righteous nature of His power, ensuring His victory is always just and perfect.

Practical Application

Psalm 98:1 encourages believers today to cultivate a spirit of fresh and fervent worship. It reminds us that our praise should not be stagnant or routine, but continually renewed by our recognition of God's ongoing presence and His mighty works in our lives and in the world. When we face challenges, this verse calls us to remember that God's "right hand" and "holy arm" are still active, capable of delivering victory and performing "marvellous things." It inspires confidence that ultimate triumph belongs to the Lord, encouraging us to trust in His sovereign power and to respond with joyful adoration.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 15:6

    Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

  • Isaiah 52:10

    The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

  • Psalms 96:1

    ¶ O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

  • Psalms 33:3

    Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

  • Revelation 14:3

    And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

  • Psalms 96:3

    Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

  • Revelation 5:9

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

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