Psalms 98

This psalm calls everyone to sing to the LORD because He has won a great victory and made His salvation known. It moves from Israel’s song, to the whole earth’s song, to the very sea, rivers and mountains joining in. The reason for the joy is that the King is coming to set the world right.

Psalms 98:1

God’s saving acts call for fresh praise. The psalm says He won the victory by His own power, not with help from anyone else. His deeds are marvelous, so the song cannot be stale. Worship starts with remembering what He has done.

BSA: wonders (“marvelous things, amazing works”): God’s deeds are beyond human ability and leave people amazed. arm (“the arm as stretched out; strength, might, power”): The picture is of God reaching out in strength to rescue His people.

Hebrew: שִׁיר חָדָשׁ (shir chadash, H7891) — “a new song.” A new song is one stirred up by a fresh act of God. It does not mean new tune for novelty’s sake, but a heart renewed by what He has just done.

See also: Exodus 15:1-2; Isaiah 42:10.

Psalms 98:2

God does not keep His rescue hidden. He has made it known openly, and His righteousness has been put on display before the nations. His saving acts show that He is just and faithful, and the whole world is meant to see it.

BSA: revealed (“uncovered, openly shown”): God pulled back the curtain so that all peoples could see His justice.

See also: Romans 1:16-17.

Psalms 98:3

God’s saving work rests on His promises to Israel. He did not forget them. Yet the result reaches far beyond Israel, since every distant corner of the earth has seen His salvation. His faithfulness to one people becomes blessing for all.

BSA: remembered (“not forgotten, kept in mind”): God’s remembering means He acts on His covenant promises. faithfulness (“loyalty, trustworthiness”): God stays true to His word even when people fail.

Hebrew: חֶסֶד (chesed, H2617) — “steadfast love, covenant kindness.” This word means loyal love that holds to a promise. It joins tenderness with faithfulness.

See also: Genesis 12:3; Luke 2:30-32.

Psalms 98:4

Now the call widens to the whole earth. Nobody is left out of the praise. The words pile up, with shouting, breaking out and singing, to show that joy for God’s salvation cannot be held in.

BSA: break forth (“in joyful sound, with music or singing”): Praise bursts out like something that can no longer be held back.

Hebrew: הָרִיעוּ (hari’u, H7321) — “shout, raise a victory cry.” This is the shout used for greeting a king or celebrating a win in battle. It is loud and joyful, not quiet.

Psalms 98:5

Instruments join the voice. The lyre and harp bring gentle, melodious sound to the praise. God is worshiped with skill and beauty, and music helps the heart say what words alone cannot.

BSA: melodious song (“with a singing voice, voice of melody”): The singing is meant to be a real voice of praise, not just background.

See also: Psalm 150:3-4.

Psalms 98:6

Trumpets and the ram’s horn were the sounds of a royal arrival and of holy gatherings in Israel. Here they greet the LORD as King. The loud brass answers the soft strings, and everything is aimed at His presence.

BSA: King (“royal ruler, sovereign”): The praise is not only for a helper but for the true ruler of all.

See also: Psalm 47:5-7.

Psalms 98:7

Creation joins the song. The sea, famous for its roar, and every creature in it are called to resound. The world and its people are included too. All that exists was made by Him and has reason to welcome Him.

BSA: resound (“roar, be thundering”): The sea’s own mighty noise becomes a shout of praise.

See also: Psalm 96:11-12.

Psalms 98:8

The poet pictures rivers clapping and mountains singing. It is poetry, but it carries a real hope: creation itself longs to be set right under God’s rule. Even the steady, silent hills are imagined bursting with joy.

BSA: sing together (“unitedly, in harmony”): Creation’s praise is one chorus, not scattered noise.

See also: Isaiah 55:12; Romans 8:19-21.

Psalms 98:9

Here is the reason for all the joy: the LORD is coming to judge. This is good news, because His judgment is right and fair. He will put wrongs right and rule all peoples with truth. Christians read this with hope in Christ’s return.

BSA: judge (“to govern, vindicate, or punish”): God’s judging means ruling and setting things right, not only punishing. equity (“uprightness, fairness”): No one will be treated unfairly when He rules.

Hebrew: לִשְׁפֹּט (lishpot, H8199) — “to judge, to govern.” In Hebrew, judging includes ruling and rescuing the wronged. So His coming brings relief to the oppressed as well as accountability.

See also: Acts 17:31; Revelation 19:11.