TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
remembered his grace and faithfulness to the house of Isra'el. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Berean Standard Bible
He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
American Standard Version
He hath remembered his lovingkindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
World English Bible Messianic
He has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He hath remembred his mercy and his trueth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth haue seene the saluation of our God.
Young's Literal Translation
He hath remembered His kindness, And His faithfulness to the house of Israel, All ends of earth have seen the salvation of our God.
In the KJVVerse 15,494 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
"He has remembered His mercy to Jacob, and His truth unto the house of Israel" [Psalm 98:3]. What means this, "He has remembered His mercy and truth"? He has pitied, so that He promised; because He promised and showed His mercy, truth has followed: mercy has gone before promise, promise has been fulfilled in truth....
"And His truth unto the house of Israel." Who is this Israel? That ye may not perchance think of one nation of the Jews, hear what follows: "All the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God." It is not said, all the earth: but, "all the ends of the world:" as it is said, from one end to the other. Let no man cut this down, let no man scatter it abroad; strong is the unity of Christ. He who gave so great a price, has bought the whole: "All the ends of the world."
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
Psalms 98:3 presents a triumphant declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, while simultaneously proclaiming the universal revelation of His saving power to all nations. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's call for creation to participate in praise, recognizing God's righteous reign and the global scope of His redemptive acts, which are rooted in His steadfast love and truth demonstrated toward the house of Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 98:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. Personification is evident in the phrase "all the ends of the earth have seen," attributing the human capacity of sight to the entire globe, emphasizing the undeniable and widespread nature of God's revealed salvation. This is coupled with Hyperbole in "all the ends of the earth," which is an exaggeration used for emphasis, underscoring the universal scope and visibility of God's saving acts, far beyond just Israel. Furthermore, there is an implicit Parallelism between God's remembrance of His mercy and truth toward Israel and the subsequent global revelation of His salvation. This highlights the cause-and-effect relationship: God's faithfulness to His covenant people becomes the means by which His redemptive power is made known to the world. Finally, the verse carries an element of Theophany, as the "salvation of our God" is not merely an event but a manifestation of God's very presence and power, revealed for all to witness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 98:3 beautifully articulates the profound theological truth that God's covenant faithfulness to Israel is not an end in itself, but a means to a greater, universal purpose. The specific acts of mercy and truth shown to the "house of Israel"—their deliverance from Egypt, their sustenance in the wilderness, their establishment in the land, and their ultimate restoration—are not merely historical events for one nation. Instead, they serve as a visible, undeniable testimony to God's character and power, intended to be witnessed and acknowledged by "all the ends of the earth." This demonstrates a foundational biblical principle: God's particular election of Israel was always for a universal redemptive purpose, showcasing His glory and inviting all peoples into His salvation. This verse bridges the particularity of God's covenant with Israel and the universality of His redemptive plan for humanity, setting the stage for the New Testament's fulfillment in Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 98:3 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to action for believers today. It assures us that the God we worship is utterly faithful, remembering His promises and acting according to His steadfast love and truth, just as He did for ancient Israel. This unchanging character of God means we can place our full trust in Him, knowing that His commitments endure through all generations. Furthermore, the verse expands our vision beyond personal or national boundaries, reminding us that God's salvation is not exclusive but is intended for "all the ends of the earth." This universal scope of God's redemptive plan, fully realized in Jesus Christ, compels us to participate actively in sharing this good news. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate communities and pray for, invest in, and engage with global missions, ensuring that every corner of the earth has the opportunity to "see the salvation of our God." Witnessing God's incredible acts of mercy and the global reach of His salvation should inspire fervent praise, a "new song" in our hearts, and a renewed commitment to living lives that testify to His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean that God "remembers" His mercy and truth?
Answer: In biblical language, God's "remembrance" (Hebrew: zāḵar) does not imply that God is forgetful and then suddenly recalls something. Rather, it signifies His active, intentional engagement and intervention based on His prior promises and covenant. When the Bible says God remembers, it means He is acting on His character and commitments. In Psalms 98:3, it means God is actively demonstrating His steadfast love (ḥeseḏ) and unwavering reliability ('ĕmûwnâh) toward Israel, fulfilling His covenant promises through mighty acts of deliverance and salvation. It's a declaration of God's ongoing faithfulness to His word and His people, leading to visible, tangible results.
How does God's faithfulness to Israel relate to His salvation being seen by "all the ends of the earth"?
Answer: This verse highlights a crucial biblical principle: God's particular election of Israel was never meant to be exclusive, but rather to serve as a means to a universal end. God's acts of mercy and truth toward the "house of Israel" were not just for their benefit, but were also a public demonstration of His power, righteousness, and redemptive character to the surrounding nations and, ultimately, to all humanity. Israel was chosen to be a light to the Gentiles, a living testimony to the one true God. Thus, the salvation God wrought for Israel became a visible sign, allowing "all the ends of the earth" to witness and recognize the saving power of the Lord. This foreshadows the New Testament fulfillment where salvation, originating through Israel, is extended to all nations through Jesus Christ (as discussed in Romans 11:11-12).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 98:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's remembered "mercy and truth" (as revealed in John 1:14), the very Word made flesh, full of grace and truth, who perfectly reveals the Father's steadfast love and faithfulness. While God's covenant faithfulness was demonstrated to the "house of Israel" throughout the Old Testament, it was in Christ that God's ultimate act of salvation was accomplished, not merely for one nation but for all humanity. Jesus, through His atoning death and resurrection, is the "salvation of our God" (as Simeon prophesied in Luke 2:30) that would be a light for revelation to the Gentiles. The Great Commission (commanded in Matthew 28:19-20) explicitly tasks believers to carry this message to "all the ends of the earth" (as empowered in Acts 1:8), ensuring that the salvation seen first in Israel, then fully in Christ, becomes a global reality. Thus, the vision of Psalms 98:3 culminates in the multi-ethnic multitude standing before the throne, proclaiming salvation to our God and to the Lamb (as depicted in Revelation 7:9-10), a testament to the universal reach of God's redemptive plan in Christ.