TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 98:4–9.
The setting up of the kingdom of Christ is here represented as a matter of joy and praise.
I.Let all the children of men rejoice in it, for they all have, or may have, benefit by it.
Again and again we are here called upon by all ways and means possible to express our joy in it and give God praise for it: Make a joyful noise, as before, Psa 95:1, Psa 95:2. Make a loud noise, as those that are affected with those glad tidings and are desirous to affect others with them. Rejoice and sing praise, sing Hosannas (Mat 21:9), sing Hallelujahs, Rev 19:6. Let him be welcomed to the throne, as new kings are, with acclamations of joy and loud shouts, till the earth ring again, as when Solomon was proclaimed, Kg1 1:40. And let the shouts of the crowd be accompanied with the singers and players on instruments (Psa 87:7; Psa 68:25), as is usual in such solemnities. 1. Let sacred songs attend the new King: "Sing praise, sing with the voice of a psalm. Express your joy; thus proclaim it, thus excite it yet more, and thus propagate it among others." 2. Let these be assisted with sacred music, not only with the soft and gentle melody of the harp, but since it is a victorious King whose glory is to be celebrated, who goes forth conquering and to conquer, let him be proclaimed with the martial sound of the trumpet and cornet, Psa 98:6. Let all this joy be directed to God, and expressed in a solemn religious manner: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, Psa 98:4. Sing to the Lord, (Psa 98:5); do it before the Lord, the King, Psa 98:6. Carnal mirth is an enemy to this holy joy. When David danced before the ark he pleaded that it was before the Lord; and the piety and devotion of the intention not only vindicated what he did, but commended it. We must rejoice before the Lord whenever we draw near to him (Deu 12:12), before the Lord Jesus, and before him, not only as the Saviour, but as the King, the King of kings, the church's King, and our King.
II.Let the inferior creatures rejoice in it, Psa 98:7-9.
This is to the same purport with what we had before (Psa 96:11-13): Let the sea roar, and let that be called, not as it used to be, a dreadful noise, but a joyful noise; for the coming of Christ, and the salvation wrought out by him, have quite altered the property of the troubles and terrors of this world, so that when the floods lift up their voice, lift up their waves, we must not construe that to be the sea roaring against us, but rather rejoicing with us. Let the floods express their joy, as men do when they clap their hands; and let the hills, that trembled for fear before God when he came down to give the law at Mount Sinai, dance for joy before him when his gospel is preached and that word of the Lord goes forth from Zion in a still small voice: Let the hills be joyful together before the Lord. This intimates that the kingdom of Christ would be a blessing to the whole creation; but that, as the inferior creatures declare the glory of the Creator (Psa 19:1), so they declare the glory of the Redeemer, for by him all things not only subsist in their being, but consist in their order. It intimates likewise that the children of men would be wanting in paying their due respects to the Redeemer, and therefore that he must look for his honour from the sea and the floods, which would shame the stupidity and ingratitude of mankind. And perhaps respect is here had to the new heavens and the new earth, which we yet, according to his promise, look for (Pe2 3:13), and this second mention of his coming (after the like, Psa 96:1-13) may principally refer to his second coming, when all these things shall be so dissolved as to be refined; then shall he come to judge the world with righteousness. In the prospect of that day all that are sanctified do rejoice, and even the sea, and the floods, and the hills, would rejoice if they could. One would think that Virgil had these psalms in his eye, as well as the oracles of the Cumean Sibyl, in his fourth eclogue, where he either ignorantly or basely applies to Asinius Pollio the ancient prophecies, which at that time were expected to be fulfilled; for he lived in the reign of Augustus Caesar, a little before our Saviour's birth. He owns they looked for the birth of a child from heaven that should be a great blessing to the world, and restore the golden age: -
Jam nova progenies coelo demittitur alto -
A new race descends from the lofty sky;
and that should take away sin: -
Te duce, si qua manent sceleris vestigia nostri,
Irrita perpetua solvent formidine terras -
Thy influence shall efface every stain of corruption,
And free the world from alarm.
Many other things he says of this long-looked-for child, which Ludovicus Vives, in his notes on that eclogue, thinks applicable to Christ; and he concludes, as the psalmist here, with a prospect of the rejoicing of the whole creation herein: -
Aspice, venturo laetentur ut omnia saeclo -
See how this promis'd age makes all rejoice.
And, if all rejoice, why should not we?
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
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.
Because they have seen, then, "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all you lands" [Psalm 98:4]. You already know what it is to make a joyful noise. Rejoice, and speak. If you cannot express your joy, shout ye; let the shout manifest your joy, if your speech cannot: yet let not joy be mute; let not your heart be silent respecting its God, let it not be mute concerning His gifts. If you speak to yourself, unto yourself are you healed; if His right hand has healed you for Him, speak thou unto Him for whom you have been healed. "Sing, rejoice, and make melody."
“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.
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.
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Summary
Psalms 98:4 issues a vibrant, universal call to worship and celebration, commanding all the earth to express unreserved joy and praise to the LORD. This verse encapsulates the exuberant spirit of the psalm, inviting not only humanity but creation itself to participate in acknowledging God's majesty, His righteous acts, and His saving power, culminating in a boisterous and uninhibited acclamation of divine sovereignty.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 98 belongs to a collection of "enthronement psalms" (Psalms 93, 96-99) that celebrate the LORD's kingship and anticipate His coming reign. It opens with a call to "Sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things" (Psalms 98:1). Verses 1-3 establish the foundation for this praise by recounting God's "right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory" and His remembrance of "his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel," which has been revealed "in the sight of the heathen." Building on these mighty acts of salvation and righteousness, verse 4 broadens the scope of praise from Israel to the entire world, urging a collective, boisterous acclamation of God's universal reign. It transitions from God's specific acts for Israel to a global response, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that depict the natural world joining in this cosmic symphony of praise, as seen in Psalms 98:7-9.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, public worship was often characterized by enthusiastic, audible expressions of praise, including shouts, singing, and musical accompaniment. The concept of a "joyful noise" (Hebrew: teru'ah, derived from the root rûwaʻ) was associated with shouts of triumph, battle cries, or the sound of trumpets signaling a significant event, such as a coronation or a victory celebration. This was not a quiet, introspective worship but a communal, demonstrative outpouring of emotion. The idea that "all the earth" would praise the LORD reflects the Israelite understanding of their God as the sovereign Creator and Ruler of all nations, not just a tribal deity. While Israel was God's chosen people, their prophets consistently envisioned a future where God's glory would be known and celebrated by all peoples, a theme found throughout prophetic literature, such as in Isaiah 2:2-4. This universal outlook was a core aspect of Israel's theological identity, even if its full realization was yet to come.
Key Themes
The verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Psalm 98 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, Universal Praise is paramount; the directive "all the earth" emphasizes that worship of the LORD is not confined to one nation or people group but is a global mandate, anticipating a future where God's glory is recognized by all creation. This theme resonates deeply with other psalms, such as Psalm 100:1, which similarly calls "all ye lands" to make a joyful noise. Secondly, Exuberant Joy is highlighted through the repetition of commands like "make a joyful noise," "make a loud noise," and "rejoice," underscoring an active, unreserved, and audible expression of delight in God. This is not quiet contemplation but an enthusiastic shout of triumph and adoration. Thirdly, God's Salvation as Reason for Praise is implicitly reinforced; the call to praise in verse 4 flows directly from the "marvellous things" and acts of "victory," "mercy," and "truth" described in the preceding verses. Worship is thus a direct response to God's character and His mighty deeds. Finally, Musical Worship is explicitly affirmed through the inclusion of "sing praise," underscoring the vital role of music and song in expressing devotion and adoration to the Creator.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root (H7321) means to mar (especially by breaking) or, figuratively, to split the ears with sound, i.e., to shout for alarm or joy. In this context, it signifies a triumphant shout of joy, a boisterous acclamation rather than a quiet murmur. It conveys an uninhibited, celebratory sound, an unrestrained outburst of praise, indicating a deep, overflowing joy that cannot be contained.
This primitive root (H7442) properly means to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy). It points to an overflowing, demonstrative happiness that often involves audible expression. It suggests a profound inner delight that spills over into outward, visible, and energetic celebration, often characterized by a joyful shout or song.
This primitive root (H2167) refers to touching the strings or parts of a musical instrument, playing upon it, or making music accompanied by the voice. Hence, it means to celebrate in song and music, to give praise, or to sing forth psalms. While rûwaʻ emphasizes the loud, uninhibited sound, zâmar brings in the element of organized, melodic, and intentional musical expression, combining spontaneous joy with artistic devotion.
Verse Breakdown
"¶ Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth:"
This opening clause is a direct, imperative command, extending the call to worship from Israel to the entire globe. The phrase "all the earth" (Hebrew: ʼerets) is a sweeping hyperbole, personifying the whole world as a participant in this cosmic acclamation. It establishes the universal scope of God's sovereignty and the appropriate response from all creation to His revealed glory and salvation. The "joyful noise" (Hebrew: hari'u, from rûwaʻ) implies a loud, triumphant shout, a boisterous acclamation of God's victory and reign.
"make a loud noise, and rejoice,"
This second clause intensifies the command for exuberant praise through synonymous parallelism. "Make a loud noise" (Hebrew: patz'chu, from pâtsach) is another strong imperative, echoing and reinforcing the "joyful noise," emphasizing the uninhibited volume and enthusiasm of the worship. The addition of "rejoice" (Hebrew: gilu, from rânan) introduces the element of profound inner delight and exultation, suggesting that the outward noise is a genuine overflow of deep-seated joy and gladness in the LORD. This is not a reluctant or forced praise but an enthusiastic, heartfelt response.
"and sing praise."
This final clause specifies a particular form of the loud, joyful noise: musical worship. "Sing praise" (Hebrew: zammeru, from zâmar) indicates that the boisterous acclamation should also take the form of song and melody. It combines the raw energy of the "joyful noise" with the intentionality and beauty of musical expression, inviting all creation to join in a harmonious, yet powerful, chorus of adoration to the LORD.
Literary Devices
Psalms 98:4 employs several potent Literary Devices to convey its message of universal, exuberant worship. The most prominent is Repetition and Synonymous Parallelism, seen in the repeated commands: "Make a joyful noise," "make a loud noise," "rejoice," and "sing praise." This piling up of imperatives intensifies the call, emphasizing the urgency, variety, and sheer volume expected in the act of worship. It ensures that the reader grasps the uninhibited and comprehensive nature of the commanded praise. Hyperbole and Personification are powerfully used in the phrase "all the earth." This extends the call to praise beyond humanity to the entire created order, suggesting a cosmic response to God's majesty. The earth itself is depicted as capable of making noise and singing praise, underscoring God's universal sovereignty and the pervasive recognition of His glory. Finally, the use of the Imperative Mood throughout the verse ("Make," "rejoice," "sing") transforms these expressions of worship from mere suggestions into divine commands, highlighting the mandatory and non-negotiable nature of praising the LORD.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 98:4 profoundly shapes our understanding of worship, revealing it as an active, universal, and joyful response to God's character and deeds. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation; He is not merely the God of Israel but the LORD (Hebrew: Yᵉhôvâh) of "all the earth," deserving of global adoration. This verse anticipates an eschatological reality where God's righteous rule is fully established and universally acknowledged, prompting a cosmic chorus of praise. It challenges any notion of passive or reserved worship, instead calling for an uninhibited, audible, and even boisterous expression of delight in God's salvation and justice. This kind of worship is not merely an obligation but a natural overflow of gratitude and awe for the God who performs "marvellous things."
Reflection and Application
Psalms 98:4 serves as a timeless invitation and command for believers today to engage in worship with passion, freedom, and an unreserved spirit. It reminds us that our praise should be a heartfelt, often audible, and demonstrative response to God's magnificent character and His mighty works of salvation in our lives and throughout history. For individuals, it's an invitation to let go of inhibitions, societal expectations, or self-consciousness, and instead express genuine, overflowing delight in the Lord, allowing our inner joy to manifest outwardly. For communities of faith, it underscores the importance of vibrant, collective worship that celebrates God's universal reign and His victory over sin and death. It challenges us to consider if our corporate worship truly reflects the "joyful noise" and "loud noise" of exultation that this psalm commands, or if we have allowed reverence to stifle exuberant adoration. Ultimately, this verse calls us to worship the sovereign, saving God with all our being, recognizing that our praise is a small echo of the cosmic acclamation He deserves.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "make a joyful noise" truly mean in this context?
The Hebrew phrase translated "make a joyful noise" comes from the verb rûwaʻ (H7321), which implies a loud, triumphant shout or blast, often associated with a battle cry, a trumpet call, or a shout of acclamation during a coronation or victory celebration. It's not a quiet, contemplative hum but an uninhibited, boisterous, and public expression of joy and triumph. In Psalms 98:4, it signifies an enthusiastic, unrestrained outburst of praise to the LORD, reflecting deep inner joy and awe at His mighty deeds and universal reign. It's a call for worship that is audible, energetic, and demonstrative, befitting the King of all the earth.
Why is "all the earth" commanded to praise the LORD? Does this include non-believers?
The command for "all the earth" to praise the LORD reflects the biblical understanding of God's universal sovereignty. He is not just the God of Israel, but the Creator and Ruler of all nations and all creation. This phrase encompasses all humanity, regardless of their current faith, as well as implicitly personifying the entire natural world, which is also called to bear witness to God's glory (as seen in Psalms 19:1-4). Theologically, it points to an eschatological vision where God's righteous rule will be fully established and acknowledged by everyone. While not all people currently acknowledge God, the psalm declares that they should and will ultimately do so, either in willing worship or in compelled submission to His undeniable authority. It's both a present mandate and a prophetic anticipation of a future reality.
Is quiet, contemplative worship less valid than the "joyful noise" described here?
No, quiet, contemplative worship is not less valid. The Bible presents a rich tapestry of worship expressions, including silent meditation (Psalms 4:4), humble reverence (Hebrews 12:28), and deep introspection. Psalms 98:4 however, emphasizes a particular facet of worship: the outward, audible, and exuberant expression of joy and triumph. It serves as a corrective to any tendency towards overly reserved or passionless praise. It reminds us that genuine worship can and often should involve uninhibited, even boisterous, celebration of God's greatness. Both contemplative and exuberant forms of worship are vital and complementary, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God and our diverse human responses to Him. This verse particularly calls us to embrace the active, joyful, and communal dimensions of praise.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 98:4, with its universal call to "make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The "marvellous things" and the "victory" of God, which serve as the foundation for this exuberant praise in the psalm, are most perfectly and definitively accomplished in Christ's life, death, and resurrection. He is the ultimate revelation of God's "mercy and truth" (John 1:14), and through His atoning sacrifice, He has "gotten him the victory" over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57). The call for "all the earth" to praise God is realized in the New Covenant, where salvation is extended to "whosoever believes" (John 3:16), breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14). The Holy Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, empowers believers from "every nation under heaven" (Acts 2:5) to worship God in spirit and truth. Ultimately, the prophetic vision of Psalms 98:4 culminates in the glorious future depicted in Revelation, where "every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever" (Revelation 5:13). This cosmic chorus of praise is directed to the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy, having taken away the sin of the world (John 1:29), thus enabling all creation to truly make a joyful noise unto the LORD.