Psalms 98:8

Let the floods clap [their] hands: let the hills be joyful together

Let the floods {H5104} clap {H4222} their hands {H3709}: let the hills {H2022} be joyful {H7442} together {H3162}

Let the floods clap their hands; let the mountains sing together for joy

Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy

Let the floods clap their hands; Let the hills sing for joy together

Commentary

Psalm 98:8 (KJV) powerfully extends the call to praise, inviting all of creation to join in a symphony of adoration for God. Following the human and instrumental praise commanded in earlier verses, this verse personifies natural elements—"floods" and "hills"—as active participants in worship.

Context

Psalm 98 is a joyous hymn, often categorized as an "enthronement psalm" (alongside Psalm 93, Psalm 96, and Psalm 99). It celebrates God's reign, His marvelous acts of salvation, and His coming to judge the earth with righteousness. Verse 8 builds on the preceding verses that call for singing a new song, making a joyful noise, and praising with instruments (Psalm 98:4-6). The natural world's enthusiastic response highlights the universality of God's dominion and the appropriate response to His majesty.

Key Themes

  • Universal Praise: The verse emphasizes that not just humanity, but the entire created order—from roaring waters to towering mountains—is compelled to acknowledge and celebrate God's glory. This reflects a profound theological truth: all creation bears witness to its Creator.
  • God's Righteous Rule: The exuberant praise of nature is directly linked to God's character and His impending judgment of the earth, as stated in Psalm 98:9. The natural world joyfully anticipates the establishment of perfect justice and righteousness.
  • Personification of Nature: By attributing human actions like "clapping hands" and being "joyful together" to inanimate elements, the psalmist vividly portrays the overwhelming and spontaneous joy that erupts from all creation in response to God's presence and power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "clap their hands" translates the Hebrew machah kaph (מָחָא כַּף), a common expression for applause, joy, or triumph. Here, it signifies joyful acclamation. "Be joyful together" comes from ranan yachad (רָנַן יַחַד), meaning to shout for joy, sing, or rejoice in unison. This highlights the harmonious and collective nature of creation's praise, a grand chorus echoing God's greatness.

Related Scriptures

  • The idea of creation praising God is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen also in Psalm 148:7-10, where everything from dragons to mountains and fruit trees are called to praise the Lord.
  • Isaiah further uses similar imagery, stating that "the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands" (Isaiah 55:12), reinforcing this poetic expression of cosmic joy.
  • The anticipation of God's righteous judgment is a central theme throughout the Psalms and prophetic books, culminating in the New Testament's description of Christ's return to judge the world.

Practical Application

This verse encourages us to perceive the world around us with spiritual eyes. If the floods and hills are depicted as praising God, how much more should humanity, created in His image, join in that chorus? It reminds us to:

  • Recognize God's Presence: See God's glory and power reflected in the natural world, cultivating a sense of wonder and reverence.
  • Join the Cosmic Worship: Understand that our praise is not isolated but part of a grand, universal declaration of God's worthiness. Our worship aligns us with the very fabric of creation.
  • Live in Hope: The joy of creation anticipates God's perfect justice and ultimate reign. This should inspire hope and confidence in His promises, knowing that He is coming to set all things right.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 55:12

    For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.

  • Psalms 89:12

    The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.

  • Psalms 65:12

    They drop [upon] the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

  • Psalms 65:13

    The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

  • Psalms 93:3

    The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

  • Psalms 47:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

  • 2 Kings 11:12

    And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and [gave him] the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.