Psalms 98:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on Psalms 98:2 KJV

Psalms 98:2 is a powerful declaration celebrating God's active involvement in the world, specifically highlighting His salvation and righteousness. This verse, part of a "new song" psalm, invites all creation to praise the LORD for His mighty acts and universal reign.

Context

Psalm 98 is a psalm of praise and eschatological hope, calling for a "new song" to the LORD. It builds upon themes found in other enthronement psalms (e.g., Psalm 96, Psalm 97), celebrating God's kingship and His impending judgment and deliverance. The psalmist rejoices in God's past and future victories, emphasizing that His divine character and saving power are not hidden but openly displayed for all the world to witness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The verse asserts that God has actively "made known" His salvation and "openly shewed" His righteousness. This is not a passive existence but a deliberate, evident display of His character and works.
  • Universal Scope of Salvation: Crucially, God's salvation and righteousness are revealed "in the sight of the heathen" (Hebrew: goyim, meaning nations or Gentiles). This highlights God's universal plan, extending beyond Israel to encompass all peoples, foreshadowing the global reach of the Gospel.
  • God's Righteousness and Justice: God's salvation is inextricably linked to His righteousness (Hebrew: tzedaqah). His saving acts are not arbitrary but are consistent with His just and faithful character. He delivers and judges righteously.
  • God's Sovereignty: The LORD is presented as the supreme ruler whose actions are powerful, effective, and visible to all, demanding universal recognition and praise.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "salvation" (yesha' or yeshu'ah) carries a broad meaning encompassing deliverance, victory, rescue, and welfare. It signifies a comprehensive act of liberation.
  • "Righteousness" (tzedaqah) refers to God's inherent justice, His adherence to His covenant, and His actions that establish right order and bring about deliverance. It's a dynamic attribute, demonstrating God's faithfulness and equity.
  • "Heathen" (goyim) specifically denotes the non-Israelite nations, underscoring the universal audience for God's revelation.

Related Scriptures

This verse reflects a consistent biblical theme of God's desire for all nations to know Him. The idea that God's salvation would be revealed to the ends of the earth is also found in Isaiah 52:10. The New Testament further elaborates on how God's righteousness is revealed through faith in Christ, making salvation accessible to both Jew and Gentile (Romans 10:12-13). Ultimately, this universal scope of God's saving work culminates in the Great Commission, where believers are commanded to make disciples of all nations.

Practical Application

Psalms 98:2 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • It calls us to actively proclaim God's salvation and righteousness to those who do not yet know Him.
  • It reinforces the global nature of God's redemptive plan, encouraging missions and outreach to all peoples.
  • It invites us to praise God for His evident power and justice, recognizing that His character is openly displayed in the world.
  • It assures us that God is actively at work, revealing Himself and bringing about His purposes in plain sight.
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.

  • 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.

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