Psalms 98:6

KJV

With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.

KJV (with Strong's)

With trumpets {H2689} and sound {H6963} of cornet {H7782} make a joyful noise {H7321} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, the King {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With trumpets and the sound of the shofar, shout for joy before the king, ADONAI!

Berean Standard Bible

With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

American Standard Version

With trumpets and sound of cornet Make a joyful noise before the King, Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 98:6 issues a vibrant call to worship, urging the people of God to employ loud and celebratory musical instruments—specifically trumpets and the shofar (cornet)—to make a "joyful noise" before the LORD, who is explicitly identified as the sovereign King. This verse encapsulates the psalm's overarching theme of exuberant praise for God's righteous acts of salvation and His universal reign, inviting all creation to participate in a boisterous acclamation of His majesty and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 98 is a jubilant "enthronement psalm," celebrating the LORD's universal kingship and His righteous acts of salvation. It parallels Psalms 96 and 97 in its call for a "new song" and its emphasis on God's sovereignty over all nations. The psalm begins by recounting God's "marvelous things" and His revealed salvation and righteousness to the nations ([Psalms 98:1-3](/psalms/98-1 "Psalms 98:1-3 - God's Marvelous Salvation")). Following this declaration, the psalm transitions into an expansive call for all the earth—the sea, the rivers, the hills—to make a joyful noise and clap their hands before the LORD, who is coming to judge the earth in righteousness ([Psalms 98:4-9](/psalms/98-4 "Psalms 98:4-9 - Call to Universal Praise")). Verse 6, therefore, is an integral part of this universal summons to praise, specifying the instruments and the manner of the acclamation, building on the general call to "make a joyful noise" found in [Psalms 98:4](/psalms/98-4 "Psalms 98:4 - Make a Joyful Noise").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, musical instruments played a crucial role in both secular and sacred life. The "trumpets" (Hebrew: *chatsotsrot*) were typically long, straight silver trumpets, primarily associated with the priests and used for signaling, calling assemblies, announcing new moons, and accompanying sacrifices and processions in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. They were instruments of order and divine presence. The "cornet" (Hebrew: *shofar*) was a ram's horn, distinct from the silver trumpets. The *shofar* had a more ancient and primal significance, used for military calls, announcing festivals (like Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets, and the [Year of Jubilee](/leviticus/25-9 "Leviticus 25:9 - The Shofar of Jubilee")), and most profoundly, for signaling divine intervention or presence, as seen at the giving of the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Shofar at Sinai"). The combination of these instruments in worship underscored the solemnity, joy, and divine authority inherent in the act of praising God, signifying a momentous and public declaration of His kingship.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 98:6 contributes significantly to several key themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it emphasizes **Exuberant and Unreserved Worship**. The command to "make a joyful noise" with loud instruments points to a form of praise that is not subdued or quiet, but active, boisterous, and full of passion, reflecting the greatness of the God being worshipped. Secondly, it highlights the **Centrality of Instrumental Praise** in Israelite worship, affirming the use of diverse musical expressions to honor God. The specific mention of trumpets and the shofar underscores their role not merely as accompaniment but as integral components of fervent devotion and public acclamation. Thirdly, and most importantly, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereign Kingship**. The object of this exuberant praise is "the LORD, the King." This title is central to the enthronement psalms, asserting God's ultimate authority, power, and righteous rule over all creation, making Him worthy of the highest honor and most vibrant worship. This theme resonates throughout the Psalter, as seen in calls to praise God as King, such as in [Psalms 47:7](/psalms/47-7 "Psalms 47:7 - God is King of all the earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joyful Noise (Hebrew, _hariu'_):** The Hebrew verb הָרִיעוּ (*hariu*) is an imperative plural form of *rua'*, meaning "to shout," "to raise a cry," "to make a loud noise," or "to triumph." It denotes a boisterous, often triumphant, acclamation rather than a mere sound. This is not a quiet hum or a gentle melody, but a full-throated, exuberant shout of joy, victory, or praise. It often carries connotations of a battle cry or a celebratory shout of triumph, indicating an unreserved and public declaration of God's greatness and victory. This same call for exuberant praise is echoed in [Psalms 100:1](/psalms/100-1 "Psalms 100:1 - Make a joyful noise to the LORD").
* **Cornet (Hebrew, _shofar'_):** The Hebrew word שׁוֹפָר (*shofar*) refers specifically to a ram's horn, distinguished from the metal trumpets. The *shofar* was a primitive but powerful instrument, capable of producing a loud, piercing, and often haunting sound. Its significance in Israelite life was profound, used for signaling, assembly calls, announcing new moons, and most notably, in religious contexts for the Day of Atonement, the Year of Jubilee, and at pivotal moments of divine revelation (e.g., [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Shofar at Sinai")). Its inclusion here signifies a call to worship that is both ancient and deeply resonant with Israel's covenant history and divine encounters.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With trumpets and sound of cornet":** This opening phrase specifies the instruments to be used in the act of praise. "Trumpets" (Hebrew: *chatsotsrot*) refers to the straight, silver trumpets used by priests in formal Temple worship, signifying order, ceremony, and the presence of God. The "sound of cornet" (Hebrew: *shofar*) adds the more ancient, primal, and evocative sound of the ram's horn, which carried connotations of divine proclamation, assembly, and momentous events. The combination of these two distinct types of instruments emphasizes a comprehensive and powerful musical offering, blending formal cultic praise with a more ancient, visceral acclamation.
* **"make a joyful noise":** This is the core command of the verse, using the imperative *hariu*. It instructs the worshippers to emit a loud, triumphant, and unreserved shout or acclamation. It's not just about playing instruments, but about producing a sound that is inherently joyful, celebratory, and indicative of victory or profound delight. This "noise" is an active, audible expression of adoration and exultation, reflecting the overwhelming joy and awe inspired by God's character and deeds.
* **"before the LORD, the King.":** This final clause identifies the recipient and object of all this exuberant praise. The worship is directed "before the LORD" (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His personal presence and relationship with His people. The addition of "the King" underscores His ultimate sovereignty, authority, and universal reign. It is because He is the supreme Ruler, the one who has accomplished marvelous salvation, that such a boisterous and unreserved display of worship is fitting and due. The praise is not for a mere earthly monarch, but for the divine King of all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 98:6 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Imagery** is prominent, painting a vivid auditory picture of a grand, boisterous celebration with the distinct sounds of trumpets and the shofar. This sensory detail immerses the reader in the scene of worship. The phrase "make a joyful noise" itself functions as a form of **Imperative**, directly commanding the action of worship. The use of specific instruments like "trumpets" and "cornet" can be seen as **Metonymy**, where the instruments stand in for the entire act of instrumental praise and the loud, celebratory sound they produce. Furthermore, the psalm's broader context, where inanimate objects like the sea and rivers are called to praise, utilizes **Personification**, though less directly in this specific verse. The entire verse is an example of **Exhortation**, a strong encouragement to engage in a particular form of worship, emphasizing the appropriate response to God's kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 98:6 powerfully articulates the biblical mandate for enthusiastic and instrumental worship of God as the sovereign King. It connects the act of praise directly to God's identity as the ultimate ruler and savior, implying that our worship should be a fitting response to His greatness and His mighty deeds. The use of specific instruments like the trumpet and shofar, deeply embedded in Israel's cultic and historical memory, underscores that worship is not merely an internal disposition but an outward, communal, and often boisterous expression. This verse anticipates the eschatological praise of God's coming kingdom, where all creation will acknowledge His righteous reign. The theological emphasis is on God's active involvement in history, His universal dominion, and the appropriate human response of joyful acclamation.

* [Psalms 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3 "Psalms 150:3-5 - Praise with Instruments")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet and God's Reign")
* [Zechariah 9:14](/zechariah/9-14 "Zechariah 9:14 - The LORD's Trumpet Sound")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 98:6 serves as a timeless invitation to consider the nature and fervor of our own worship. It challenges us to move beyond mere reverence to embrace a joyful, expressive, and even boisterous adoration of God. The call to "make a joyful noise" with instruments reminds us that worship is not solely a quiet, contemplative act, but can and should be an active, audible, and communal celebration that engages our whole being. This verse encourages us to utilize all available means—including music, voice, and even our physical expressions—to honor God. It prompts us to ask if our praise truly reflects the "joyful noise" that is due to "the LORD, the King," recognizing His supreme authority, His saving acts, and His ongoing reign in our lives and in the world. Our worship should be a testimony to His greatness, inspiring both awe and unbridled delight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "making a joyful noise" look like in my personal and corporate worship today?**
* **How can I cultivate a more enthusiastic and unreserved spirit of praise for God, the King?**
* **In what ways can I use my talents and resources, including musical or artistic expressions, to honor God more fully?**
* **How does recognizing God as "the King" impact my daily life and my approach to worship?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the specific instruments mentioned, the "trumpets" and "cornet"?**

Answer: The mention of "trumpets" (Hebrew: *chatsotsrot*, silver trumpets) and "cornet" (Hebrew: *shofar*, ram's horn) is highly significant. The *chatsotsrot* were priestly instruments, associated with formal Temple worship, signaling, and solemn ceremonies, representing order and divine presence. The *shofar* was more ancient and primal, used for military calls, announcing festivals (like the [Feast of Trumpets](/leviticus/23-24 "Leviticus 23:24 - Feast of Trumpets")), and particularly for signaling divine intervention or revelation, such as at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Shofar at Sinai"). Their combined use in Psalms 98:6 signifies a comprehensive, powerful, and deeply symbolic form of praise, blending formal cultic worship with ancient, evocative acclamation, all directed toward the sovereign King.

**Does "make a joyful noise" imply that all worship must be loud or boisterous?**

Answer: While "make a joyful noise" (Hebrew: *hariu*) certainly implies a loud, triumphant, and unreserved acclamation, it doesn't necessarily mean that *all* worship must always be boisterous. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of uninhibited, passionate, and audible expression of praise. It challenges a subdued or passive approach to worship, encouraging a vibrant and enthusiastic response to God's greatness. The Bible also speaks of quiet contemplation and reverence (e.g., [Psalms 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalms 46:10 - Be Still and Know God")), but Psalms 98:6 highlights the celebratory, public, and often loud dimension of worship that is fitting for the King of the universe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 98:6, with its resounding call to praise "the LORD, the King" with trumpets and the shofar, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "LORD, the King" whom the psalm celebrates is revealed in the New Testament as Jesus, who is not only the Son of God but also the promised Messiah, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")). The "marvelous things" God has done, which prompt the "new song" in [Psalms 98:1](/psalms/98-1 "Psalms 98:1 - Sing a New Song"), are supremely accomplished in Christ's life, death, and resurrection, through which He secured salvation for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). The universal call for all the earth to make a joyful noise before the King anticipates the global worship of Christ, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/phillipians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The imagery of trumpets and the shofar, signaling divine presence and momentous events, foreshadows Christ's glorious return, which will be announced by the sound of a trumpet ([1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Return")). Thus, the exuberant, instrumental praise commanded in Psalms 98:6 is fully realized in the worship of Jesus, the triumphant King, whose reign is eternal and whose salvation inspires the most joyful and unreserved acclamation from all creation.

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

Revelation 19:16

And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Psalms 81:2

Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

Psalms 81:4

For this [was] a statute for Israel, [and] a law of the God of Jacob.

2 Chronicles 15:14

And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.

2 Chronicles 29:27

And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD began [also] with the trumpets, and with the instruments [ordained] by David king of Israel.

Numbers 10:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 10:10

Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I [am] the LORD your God.