Psalms 98

Another anthem of praise for the redemption of Israel from Babylon. It begins and ends like Psalms 96, and much of its language is borrowed from Isaiah 40-66. It consists of three equal stanzas. Sing praise to Jehovah for the redemption of Israel (Psalms 98:1-3). Let all the earth salute Him as King (Psalms 98:4-6); let all Nature rejoice at His Advent (Psalms 98:7-9). This is the only Psalm which bears the title Mizmôr, ‘A Psalm,’ without any addition. The LXX has A Psalm of David. It is fitly appointed as an alternative for the Magnificat at Evening Prayer. The hymn of praise for the Redemption of Israel from Babylon becomes in the mouth of the Christian Church a hymn of praise for the Redemption of the world.

Psalms 98:1-3

1–3. Praise Jehovah for the glorious salvation which He has wrought.

Psalms 98:2

2. Jehovah hath made known his salvation: In the sight of the nations hath he revealed his righteousness. Cp. Isaiah 56:1. The juxtaposition of salvation and righteousness is characteristic of Isaiah 40-66. The deliverance of Israel is the outcome and the visible manifestation of Jehovah’s faithfulness to His covenant. Cp. Psalms 71:15.

Psalms 98:3

3. He hath remembered] Though Israel in its despair said, “Jehovah hath forsaken me, and the Lord hath forgotten me” (Isaiah 49:14), the confidence of the earlier prophet (Micah 7:20) was not misplaced. his mercy and his truth] His lovingkindness and his faithfulness. Cp. Psalms 89:1 ff.; Psalms 92:2; Luke 1:54. all the ends &c.] The prediction of Isa 52:10 has been fulfilled.

Psalms 98:4-6

4–6. Let all the earth salute its King.

Psalms 98:5

5. Make melody unto Jehovah with the harp: With the harp and the sound of melody. Cp. Isaiah 51:3.

Psalms 98:6

6. The ‘trumpet’ was a straight metal tube, like the sacred trumpets represented on the arch of Titus: the ‘cornet’ was originally a ram’s horn, perhaps in later times a metal instrument of the same shape. See the illustrations in Driver’s Joel and Amos in this Series, p. 144.

Psalms 98:7-9

7–9. Let universal Nature swell the chorus of rejoicing.

Psalms 98:8

8. Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the mountains sing for Joy together. Cp. Isaiah 55:12; and for the prosopopoeia, Habakkuk 3:10.

Psalms 98:9

9. Cp. Psalms 96:13.