Psalms 98:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/96 "Psalm 96 - Sing to the Lord a New Song") and [Psalm 97](/psalms/97 "Psalm 97 - The Lord Reigns"). 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.

* **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 with historical deliverances, such as the Exodus, where God's "strong hand and outstretched arm" (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - God's Strong Hand in the Exodus")) brought them out of bondage, underscoring that their salvation was solely by divine might, not human strength.

* **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](/psalms/33-3 "Psalm 33:3 - Skillful and Joyful Praise"). The declaration "for he hath done marvellous things" highlights God's 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](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - God's Powerful Right Hand at the Red Sea"), which celebrates God's decisive intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **New Song (Hebrew, _shir chadash'_):** While literally meaning a recently composed melody, in a theological context, "new song" signifies a spontaneous, fresh, and profound expression of praise born out of a renewed experience of God's grace, a fresh revelation of His character, or a monumental act of deliverance. It implies a worship that is dynamic, heartfelt, and responsive to God's ongoing works, rather than merely ritualistic or traditional. It is a song that arises from a transformed heart and a new understanding of God's redemptive power.
* **Marvellous Things (Hebrew, _niphla'ot'_):** This term denotes wonders, miracles, or extraordinary deeds that evoke astonishment, awe, and reverence. It refers to acts that transcend natural limitations and human capabilities, highlighting God's unique ability to intervene in history in ways that are beyond comprehension. These "marvellous things" are not merely impressive feats but are divinely orchestrated events that reveal God's character, power, and faithfulness to His covenant purposes.
* **Right Hand (Hebrew, _yamin'_):** In ancient Near Eastern thought, the right hand was universally associated with strength, power, authority, and honor. When attributed to God, it is an anthropomorphism representing His active, irresistible, and decisive power in accomplishing His will. It is the instrument of His might, through which He executes judgment, brings salvation, and secures victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song;":** This opening imperative is a universal invitation, not just to Israel but to all people, to offer fresh, vibrant, and heartfelt worship to Yahweh. The "new song" implies a response to a new or newly perceived act of God's salvation, demanding a renewed and enthusiastic expression of praise that transcends routine.
* **"for he hath done marvellous things:":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the "new song." The praise is not arbitrary but is a direct response to God's extraordinary, miraculous, and awe-inspiring deeds throughout history. These "marvellous things" are the undeniable evidence of His unique power and His active involvement in the world, compelling a response of adoration.
* **"his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.":** This powerful declaration specifies the nature of God's "marvellous things." It is through His own inherent, irresistible strength and righteous power—metaphorically represented by His "right hand" (power, authority) and "holy arm" (strength, purity of action)—that He has achieved decisive and complete victory. This emphasizes that salvation and triumph are solely God's doing, not the result of human effort or might, and that His power is always exercised in perfect holiness and justice.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 98:1 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is prominent in the phrases "his right hand" and "his holy arm," attributing human body parts and actions to God to make His immense power and active involvement comprehensible to human understanding. This is not to suggest God has a physical body, but to vividly portray His strength and direct intervention. The "right hand" and "holy arm" also function as potent **Metaphors** for God's irresistible might, authority, and righteous power. They symbolize His ability to secure victory and perform wonders. The call to "sing unto the LORD a new song" can be seen as a form of **Imperative**, a direct command that urges an immediate and profound response from the audience, setting the tone for the entire psalm as a call to worship. The declaration "for he hath done marvellous things" serves as a **Justification** or **Reason Clause**, providing the theological basis for the preceding command to sing.

### 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. 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. 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. 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.

* [Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God's Own Arm Brings Salvation")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")
* [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - New Song to the Lamb")

### 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 and self-reliance, 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, our hearts are stirred to joyful adoration and confident trust, inspiring us to live lives that reflect His glory and proclaim His deeds to a world in need of His salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "marvellous things" has the Lord done in your life or in the world recently that call for a "new song" of praise?**
* **How does understanding God's "right hand" and "holy arm" as the source of victory impact your perspective on personal struggles or global challenges?**
* **In what ways can your worship become more "new" and less routine, reflecting a fresh encounter with God's greatness?**

### 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. 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](/psalms/98-1 "Psalm 98:1 - Marvellous Things")). This concept is echoed in other psalms, such as [Psalm 40:3](/psalms/40-3 "Psalm 40:3 - A New Song Put in My Mouth"), where a new song is placed in the mouth of the one delivered.

### 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's invincible power, securing eternal redemption for all who believe (cf. [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). The victory spoken of in Psalm 98:1 culminates in Christ, who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), 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](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - New Song to the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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;