Psalms 98:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath remembered {H2142} his mercy {H2617} and his truth {H530} toward the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}: all the ends {H657} of the earth {H776} have seen {H7200} the salvation {H3444} of our God {H430}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 98 is a joyous hymn of praise, often categorized as an "enthronement psalm" due to its exaltation of Yahweh as King and Judge over the entire earth. It shares thematic and structural similarities with Psalms 96 and 97, all of which invite a "new song" of praise for God's marvelous deeds. The psalm opens with an urgent call to worship, highlighting God's victorious right hand and holy arm (e.g., [the Lord's mighty deeds](/psalms/98-1 "Psalms 98:1 - A New Song to the Lord")). Verse 2 declares that the Lord "hath made known his salvation; his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen" (as seen in [Psalms 98:2](/psalms/98-2 "Psalms 98:2 - God's Salvation Revealed")), setting the stage for verse 3, which further elaborates on how God's faithfulness to Israel serves as the conduit through which His universal salvation is revealed. The psalm then transitions to a cosmic invitation for all creation—seas, rivers, hills—to celebrate God's impending righteous judgment (as detailed in [Psalms 98:7-9](/psalms/98-7 "Psalms 98:7-9 - Creation Praises God")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 98 is not explicitly stated, its themes resonate strongly with a post-exilic context, where the people of Israel had experienced God's deliverance and were looking forward to the full establishment of His kingdom. The "house of Israel" refers to the covenant people of God, emphasizing their unique relationship with Him. In the ancient Near East, kings often boasted of their military victories and the extent of their dominion. This psalm, however, presents Yahweh as the true King, whose reign is not established through human conquest but through His divine acts of "mercy" and "truth" (covenant faithfulness). The concept of God's salvation being seen by "all the ends of the earth" was a radical departure from the localized deities of surrounding cultures, proclaiming a universal sovereignty that would eventually encompass all peoples, reflecting a prophetic vision found in books like [Isaiah](/isaiah/49 "Isaiah 49 - Servant of the Lord's Universal Mission").
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several major theological themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, emphasizing that God "hath remembered" His promises. This remembrance is not a recovery from forgetfulness but an active, demonstrated commitment to His enduring covenant love, or *hesed*, and His reliability, or *'emeth*, toward the "house of Israel." Secondly, the verse highlights the **Universal Revelation of Salvation**. What God has accomplished for Israel is not confined to them but is openly displayed and universally witnessed, foreshadowing the global scope of God's redemptive plan that extends beyond a single nation to "all the ends of the earth." This theme of universal salvation is echoed throughout the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic books such as [Isaiah](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - The Mountain of the Lord and Universal Peace"). Thirdly, it speaks to **Divine Remembrance and Action**, where God's remembrance is always active, leading to powerful intervention and the fulfillment of His promises through acts of deliverance and salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This term denotes `kindness`, often implying God's steadfast love and loyal commitment, frequently translated as "lovingkindness." It signifies a deep, active `favour` and `good deed` demonstrated through God's `merciful kindness` toward His people, reflecting His enduring covenant faithfulness. In Psalms 98:3, it specifically refers to God's unwavering `kindness` and `pity` toward the house of Israel.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** This word signifies `firmness` and `security`, extending to `fidelity` and `faithfulness`. It describes God's unwavering character, His `stability`, and the `steadiness` of His promises. Paired with `chêçêd`, it underscores the `truly` dependable and `verily` consistent nature of God's loving commitment, assuring that His word is grounded in His unchangeable, reliable character.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** This term refers to `something saved`, encompassing `deliverance`, `aid`, `victory`, and `prosperity`. It describes God's powerful acts of rescue and `help`, bringing `welfare` and `health`. While often denoting physical `deliverance` from enemies or danger in the Old Testament, it carries profound theological weight, pointing to God's comprehensive redemptive acts for His people, here signifying the `saving` power God has wrought for Israel and revealed globally.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel":** This clause emphasizes God's active, intentional faithfulness to His covenant people. "Remembered" (H2142, _zâkar'_) does not imply a prior forgetfulness but rather a renewed demonstration or active fulfillment of His promises. God's "mercy" (H2617, _chêçêd'_) and "truth" (H530, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_) are the twin pillars of His covenant relationship, signifying His steadfast love and unwavering reliability. The "house of Israel" (H1004, _bayith'_ of H3478, _Yisrâʼêl'_) refers to the entire nation, the descendants of Jacob, with whom God established His covenant, promising blessing and a unique relationship. This remembrance signifies God's ongoing commitment to His chosen people, fulfilling His ancient promises.
* **"all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.":** This powerful declaration expands the scope of God's redemptive work beyond Israel to a universal audience. The phrase "all the ends" (H657, _ʼepheç'_) of the "earth" (H776, _ʼerets'_) is a hyperbole signifying every nation, every people group, and the entire globe. "Have seen" (H7200, _râʼâh'_) implies not just a casual glance but a direct, undeniable witnessing and recognition of God's mighty acts of deliverance, His "salvation" (H3444, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_). This statement asserts that God's saving acts, initially demonstrated within Israel's history, are now openly displayed and universally acknowledged, serving as a testimony to His sovereign power and benevolent character to all humanity, revealing the `salvation` of "our God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym'_).

#### 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.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Character Revealed")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light for the Nations")
* [Luke 2:30-32](/luke/2-30-32 "Luke 2:30-32 - Simeon's Prophecy")

### 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
* **How does understanding God's "remembrance" of His mercy and truth deepen your trust in His faithfulness in your own life?**
* **In what practical ways can you contribute to "all the ends of the earth" seeing the salvation of our God in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does the universal scope of God's salvation, as declared in this verse, impact your perspective on global events and diverse cultures?**
* **What "new song" of praise does God's demonstrated mercy and truth inspire in your heart today?**

### 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](/romans/11-11-12 "Romans 11:11-12 - Salvation for the Gentiles")).

### 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), 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](/luke/2-30 "Luke 2:30 - Simeon's Prophecy")) that would be a light for revelation to the Gentiles. The Great Commission (commanded in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")) explicitly tasks believers to carry this message to "all the ends of the earth" (as empowered in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")), 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](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Great Multitude")), a testament to the universal reach of God's redemptive plan in Christ.

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

Psalms 22:27

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Deuteronomy 4:31

(For the LORD thy God [is] a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Acts 13:47

For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Acts 28:28

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and [that] they will hear it.

Luke 1:72

To perform the mercy [promised] to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

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 98:2

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