Psalms 98:2

KJV

The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} hath made known {H3045} his salvation {H3444}: his righteousness {H6666} hath he openly shewed {H1540} in the sight {H5869} of the heathen {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI has made known his victory; revealed his vindication in full view of the nations,

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD has proclaimed His salvation and revealed His righteousness to the nations.

American Standard Version

Jehovah hath made known his salvation: His righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 98:2 is a triumphant declaration of God's active and public revelation of His saving power and righteous character. It proclaims that the LORD has not hidden His redemptive work but has openly displayed it for all the world, including the non-Israelite nations, to witness. This verse serves as a foundational statement for a universal call to praise, celebrating God's sovereign acts of deliverance and His unwavering justice, which are made manifest for all humanity to behold and respond to.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 98 is a vibrant "enthronement psalm," part of a distinct collection (Psalms 93, 95-99) that celebrates Yahweh's universal kingship and His righteous reign. The psalm opens with an exhortation to "Sing unto the LORD a new song" in [Psalm 98:1](/psalms/98-1 "Psalm 98:1 - A Call for a New Song"), a motif also found in [Psalm 96:1](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1 - Sing a New Song to the LORD") and [Isaiah 42:10](/isaiah/42-10 "Isaiah 42:10 - Sing to the LORD a New Song"). This "new song" is not merely a fresh composition but signifies a profound, renewed understanding and joyful response to God's mighty acts of salvation. The preceding verse, [Psalm 98:1](/psalms/98-1 "Psalm 98:1 - God's Victorious Right Hand"), attributes victory to God's "right hand, and his holy arm," setting the stage for verse 2's declaration of this salvation being "made known." The psalm then expands on this universal revelation, culminating in a vision of God coming to judge the earth with righteousness and equity in [Psalm 98:9](/psalms/98-9 "Psalm 98:9 - God Comes to Judge the Earth"). Verse 2 specifically highlights the public and universal nature of God's self-disclosure, preparing the reader for the subsequent call for all creation to join in praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the exact date of composition is debated, Psalm 98 likely originates from or reflects the post-exilic period, resonating with Israel's experience of God's powerful deliverance from Babylonian captivity. The term "heathen" (גּוֹיִם, _goyim_) refers to the nations or Gentiles, distinct from Israel. In the ancient Near East, each nation typically worshipped its own set of gods, and conflicts were often perceived as contests between these deities. For the psalmist to declare that Yahweh's salvation and righteousness were "openly shewed in the sight of the heathen" was a radical assertion of God's supremacy over all other gods and His universal sovereignty. It challenged the prevailing worldview by proclaiming that God's actions were not confined to Israel but had global implications, intended for the observation and eventual recognition of all peoples. This universal scope aligns with prophetic visions of a future time when all nations would come to worship the LORD in Jerusalem, as vividly depicted in passages like [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - All Nations to Jerusalem") and [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20-23 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Peoples Seek the LORD").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 98:2 powerfully articulates several core theological themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Revelation**, asserting that God is not a hidden or distant deity but one who actively "made known" and "openly shewed" His character and works. This revelation is a deliberate, evident display of His nature and power. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Universal Scope of God's Salvation**, underscored by the phrase "in the sight of the heathen." This is a crucial theme throughout the Old Testament, foreshadowing the global reach of God's redemptive plan, which extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples. Prophets like Isaiah frequently spoke of God's light being a [light to the Gentiles](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light for the Gentiles") and His salvation reaching [to the ends of the earth](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Salvation to the Ends of the Earth"). Thirdly, the verse inextricably links **God's Salvation and Righteousness**. His saving acts are not arbitrary but are consistent with His just and faithful character. God's righteousness (צְדָקָה, _tzedaqah_) is not merely a legal attribute but a dynamic force that establishes right order, brings about deliverance, and demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His creation. Finally, the verse reinforces **God's Sovereignty**, presenting the LORD as the supreme ruler whose actions are powerful, effective, and visible to all, demanding universal recognition and praise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Made known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb (H3045, יָדַע) is a primitive root meaning "to know," but it encompasses a vast array of senses. Here, "made known" (a causative form) implies a deliberate act of causing others to know, to ascertain by seeing, to declare, or to publish. It signifies a proactive and intentional disclosure on God's part, moving from a state of hiddenness to one of public revelation. It's not merely intellectual apprehension but a deep, experiential recognition of God's saving acts.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** This feminine passive participle (H3444, יְשׁוּעָה) means "something saved," encompassing deliverance, aid, victory, and welfare. It denotes a comprehensive act of liberation from danger, oppression, or distress. In this context, it refers to God's mighty acts of intervention on behalf of His people, whether from enemies, sickness, or sin, signifying His powerful and complete work of setting free and bringing to a state of well-being.
* **Openly shewed (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This primitive root (H1540, גָּלָה) means "to denude," "uncover," or "reveal." The causative form used here (H8765) implies an active unveiling or making bare, suggesting a clear, undeniable, and public display. It goes beyond mere notification to a visible demonstration, making God's righteousness evident and accessible for observation.
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471, גּוֹי) refers to a foreign nation or, by extension, a Gentile. Its inclusion is profoundly significant, underscoring the universal audience for God's revelation. It emphasizes that God's saving acts and His righteous character are not exclusively for Israel but are openly displayed for all peoples, inviting their recognition and response, and challenging the notion of a localized deity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD hath made known his salvation":** This initial clause declares God's active, intentional initiative in revealing His saving power. The verb "made known" (הוֹדִיעַ, _hodia'_) implies a deliberate, public announcement or demonstration of His deliverance. God's salvation is not a secret or hidden reality but something He has intentionally unveiled, pointing to His desire for humanity to understand and experience His redemptive work.
* **"his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen."** This second clause functions in powerful parallelism with the first, amplifying and reinforcing the public and universal nature of God's revelation. "Openly shewed" (גָּלָה, _galah_) means to uncover, reveal, or make bare, suggesting a clear and undeniable display. The crucial phrase "in the sight of the heathen" (לְעֵינֵי הַגּוֹיִם, _le'einei hagoyim_) explicitly states that God's righteous character and saving acts are not confined to Israel but are demonstrated before all nations, inviting a global witness and response to His just and faithful nature.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 98:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first. "The LORD hath made known his salvation" is closely paralleled by "his righteousness hath he openly shewed." This repetition not only adds emphasis but also highlights the intrinsic and inseparable connection between God's salvation and His righteousness—they are two facets of the same divine activity, revealed in concert. The verse also utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions to God, such as "making known" and "showing." This device helps the human mind grasp God's deliberate and observable work in the world, making His divine attributes relatable and comprehensible. Furthermore, the verse embodies **Universalism** as a thematic device, explicitly stating that God's actions are revealed "in the sight of the heathen." This expands the scope of God's redemptive plan beyond the confines of Israel to all nations, setting a global stage for divine revelation and demanding a universal human response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 98:2 stands as a profound declaration of God's self-revelation, emphasizing that His saving acts and righteous character are not confined to a select few but are openly displayed for all humanity. This universal scope of God's redemptive purpose is a consistent thread throughout Scripture, demonstrating His desire for all peoples to know Him and be reconciled to Him. The verse underscores that God's salvation is always consistent with His perfect justice; He saves righteously and judges justly. This public display of His attributes serves as both an invitation to worship and a warning of His ultimate judgment, confirming His sovereign rule over all creation and His unwavering commitment to establishing justice throughout the earth.

* [Isaiah 52:10](/isaiah/52-10 "The LORD Has Bared His Holy Arm in the Sight of All the Nations")
* [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed")
* [Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12-13 "For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord of all")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 98:2 offers a magnificent vision of God's active involvement in the world, revealing His saving power and righteous character for all to see. For us today, this verse is a powerful reminder that our God is not distant or hidden, but one who desires to be known intimately. It calls us to recognize the visible evidence of His hand at work in history, in the intricate beauty of creation, and most profoundly, in the transformed lives of believers. This open display of God's attributes should ignite within us a deep sense of worship, gratitude, and awe for His majesty. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "the heathen" serves as a potent missional mandate, reminding us that God's plan of salvation is global in scope. We are called not only to witness His glory but to participate actively in making His salvation and righteousness known to every corner of the earth, proclaiming the good news to those who have yet to see and believe. This verse encourages us to live lives that reflect His righteousness, thereby becoming instruments through which His character is further revealed to a watching world, drawing others into His marvelous light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways have you personally witnessed God "making known His salvation" or "openly showing His righteousness" in your own life or in the world around you?**
* **How does the universal scope of God's revelation ("in the sight of the heathen") impact your understanding of evangelism, global missions, and your personal responsibility in sharing the Gospel?**
* **What does it mean for God's salvation to be inextricably linked with His righteousness, and how should this understanding shape our own pursuit of justice, mercy, and ethical living?**
* **Considering that God openly displays His character, how can we, as believers, more effectively reflect His revealed salvation and righteousness to those who do not yet know Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God "made known his salvation" and "openly shewed his righteousness"?**

Answer: This signifies God's deliberate and public revelation of His character and redemptive work. "Made known" implies a clear declaration or demonstration, while "openly shewed" suggests an unveiling or making visible. It means God's saving power and His just, faithful nature are not hidden secrets but are actively displayed in history, through His mighty acts, His covenant dealings with Israel, and ultimately through the person and work of Jesus Christ. This revelation is intended to be seen and understood by all, including those outside of Israel, demonstrating His desire for all humanity to encounter Him.

**Why is it significant that God's revelation is "in the sight of the heathen"?**

Answer: The term "heathen" (Hebrew: _goyim_) refers to the non-Israelite nations or Gentiles. Its inclusion is highly significant because it emphasizes the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. In a world where deities were often seen as tribal or national, this verse declares that Yahweh's actions and character are meant to be observed and recognized by all peoples, not just Israel. It foreshadows the New Testament truth that God's salvation is for all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike, as articulated in [Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12-13 "For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile"). This universal vision underpins the Great Commission to preach the gospel to every nation ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission - Go and Make Disciples")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 98:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "salvation" that the LORD made known is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is Himself the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection constitute the supreme act of God's deliverance, openly displayed for all humanity to witness and believe. Furthermore, the "righteousness" that God openly shewed is fully revealed in Jesus. He is the [righteous One](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ the Righteous"), through whom God's perfect justice and faithfulness are made manifest, allowing God to be simultaneously [just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness in Justification"). The declaration that God's acts are "in the sight of the heathen" is powerfully fulfilled as the gospel, centered on Christ, extends to all nations, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Through the cross and resurrection, God's salvation and righteousness are not merely proclaimed but visibly, powerfully, and universally enacted, inviting all peoples to behold and believe in the saving work of Christ, the [light for revelation to the Gentiles](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - A Light for Revelation to the Gentiles").

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

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.

Isaiah 62:2

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

Psalms 22:31

They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done [this].

Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Romans 3:21

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Romans 3:26

To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.