1 O 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.
2 The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
3 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.
4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
7 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
8 Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
9 Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Psalm 98, one of the Psalms in the Holy Bible, is a song of praise celebrating the Lord's salvation and justice. This psalm is attributed to David, although the authorship is not confirmed in the text itself. The psalm is a joyful proclamation of the salvation of God, His righteousness revealed to the nations, and His faithfulness to the house of Israel. It is a song of praise for the victorious God who will judge the world in righteousness.
The psalm begins with a call to "sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory." (Psalm 98:1 KJV). This opening verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, establishing the theme of praising God for His marvelous deeds and victorious acts. The psalmist is calling for a new song, a fresh response to the ever-unfolding wonders of God's deeds. The phrase "His right hand, and His holy arm" is a common biblical metaphor for God's power and might, which brings Him victory over His enemies.
The psalmist continues to highlight the Lord's salvation, stating, "The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen." (Psalm 98:2 KJV). Here, the psalmist is emphasizing that the Lord's salvation is not hidden but is made known and openly shown to all, even to the heathen or nations. God's righteousness, His moral and ethical standard, is revealed for all to see. This verse reinforces the theme of the universality of God's salvation, a salvation that is not only for Israel but for all nations.
The psalmist further affirms, "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." (Psalm 98:3 KJV). The Lord's mercy and truth are enduring characteristics that He has not forgotten but has remembered for the house of Israel. The phrase "all the ends of the earth" again emphasizes the global scope of God's salvation, a salvation that is visible and recognizable to all.
The next verses call for a joyful response to God's salvation. The psalmist writes, "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm." (Psalm 98:4-5 KJV). The psalmist is not only calling for a joyful noise but a loud one, a noise of rejoicing and singing praise to the Lord. The use of musical instruments, such as the harp, suggests a festive and celebratory mood, a fitting response to the marvelous deeds of the Lord.
The psalmist continues this call to praise, stating, "With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King." (Psalm 98:6 KJV). The psalmist is calling the people to make a joyful noise before the Lord, who is identified as the King. The use of trumpets and cornets, instruments often associated with royal ceremonies and military victories, further underscores the triumphant and victorious character of God.
The final verses of the psalm shift the focus from God's salvation to His judgment. The psalmist writes, "Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity." (Psalm 98:9 KJV). The psalmist is acknowledging that the Lord is not only a Savior but also a Judge who will judge the world with righteousness and the people with equity. This verse reinforces the theme of God's righteousness, a righteousness that will be applied justly and equitably in His judgment.
In conclusion, Psalm 98 is a joyful proclamation of the Lord's salvation, righteousness, and judgment. It calls for a new song, a fresh response to the ever-unfolding wonders of God's deeds. It emphasizes the universality of God's salvation, a salvation that is not only for Israel but for all nations. It invites a joyful and loud response to God's marvelous deeds, a response that involves singing, rejoicing, and the use of musical instruments. Lastly, it acknowledges the Lord as a righteous Judge who will judge the world with equity. Thus, Psalm 98 is a testament to the multifaceted character of God - a victorious Savior, a righteous Judge, and a faithful covenant-keeper.
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