Unknown
Psalm 98
A Psalm.
Scripture (KJV)
1O 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.
2The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
3He 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.
4Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
5Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
6With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
7Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
8Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Summary
Psalm 98 is a jubilant hymn that calls all creation to celebrate the LORD’s salvation and coming judgment. It opens with a call to sing a new song, for the LORD has done marvellous things: His right hand and holy arm have gotten Him the victory. He has made known His salvation and openly showed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His mercy and truth toward the house of Israel, and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
The second movement summons all the earth to make a joyful noise, to sing with the harp and the voice of a psalm, to make a joyful noise with trumpets and cornet before the LORD the King. The third movement calls the sea and its fullness, the world and its inhabitants, the floods and the hills to clap and rejoice together before the LORD. The closing reason is eschatological: "for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity." The prospect of God’s righteous judgment is not a threat but an occasion for cosmic joy.
The major themes are a new song, salvation, mercy and truth, cosmic praise, and righteous judgment. Practically, the psalm teaches that God’s salvation is cause for universal celebration and that His coming to judge is good news for all creation. The great lesson is: sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvellous things.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 98
LORD, I sing to You a new song, for You have done marvellous things. Your right hand and holy arm have gotten You the victory. You have made known Your salvation and openly shown Your righteousness in the sight of the nations. You have remembered Your mercy and truth toward Your people; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. I make a joyful noise to You, all the earth! I sing with the harp and the voice of a psalm; I make a joyful noise with trumpets and cornet before You, the King. Let the sea roar and the floods clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before You. You come to judge the earth with righteousness and the people with equity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What "marvellous things" has the LORD done that move me to sing a new song?
- 2How does the psalm connect God’s salvation with His mercy and truth?
- 3What does it mean that all creation—sea, floods, hills—is summoned to praise?
- 4Why is God’s coming to judge the earth an occasion for joy rather than fear?
Related Psalms
Psalm 96
“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”
A missionary hymn calling all nations to ascribe glory to the Lord as King.
Read morePsalm 97
“The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.”
The Lord reigns in righteousness; His light dawns for the upright.
Read morePsalm 99
“The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.”
The holy King calls His people to justice and worship at His footstool.
Read morePsalm 100
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.”
A universal call to joyful worship; the Lord is good, His mercy everlasting.
Read morePsalm 149
“Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.”
Psalm 149 is a call to joyful, embodied, even militant praise.
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