Bible Commentaries
Psalms 98

Verses 1-9

Psalms 98

A Call For Praise to the Righteous Judge

Scripture v. 1-9:

The theme of this psalm, like that of 96, is the coming of the Lord to earth, as victorious Savior, King, and Judge. It points to both His first and second advents.

Verse 1 calls on men to sing unto the Lord a new song, a song of triumph or victory praise, because of the marvelous things He has done, Psalms 33:3; Isaiah 42:10. His victory is attributed to His right hand of Divine power, and His Holy arm of ruling judgment, excelling all finite powers among men, Psalms 59:16; Isaiah 63:5. See also Exodus 15:11; Psalms 74:14; Psalms 86:10; Psalms 105:5; Psalms 136:4; Psalms 139:14; Revelation 5:9.

Verse 2 declares that the Lord has made known, by showing openly His salvation and righteousness in the sight or physical view of the heathen, the Gentile nations, Isaiah 52:10; Luke 2:30-31; Isaiah 45:21; Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 52:10; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:13.

Verse 3 adds that "He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel," to whom He had pledged them, La 3:22, 23. So that , "all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God," alluding to both His 1st advent, in securing redemption of all men, and to His 2nd advent, in the restitution of all things to the Father, Isaiah 49:6; Acts 3:20-26; Acts 13:47; Acts 28:28; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. His covenant with Israel in mercy and truth still hold fast, Isaiah 63:7; Luke 1:32; Luke 1:54-55; Luke 1:72; Isaiah 2:2-3; See also Leviticus 26:42; Micah 7:20; Luke 3:6; Acts 28:28.

Verse 4, 5 call on the whole earth to make a joyful and loud noise of singing and praising the triumphant Jehovah, in accompaniment with or support by musical instruments, specifically with the harp and the voice of a psalm, as also extolled Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Psalms 87:6-7.

Verse 6 adds "with trumpets (a plural number) and the sound of cornet; Such joyful praise is to be observed to the Lord, the King, Revelation 5:8; Revelation 14:2-3; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 11:17.

Verses 7-9 call upon all people and nature to unite in a time of exuberant joy at the coming of the Blessed-Hope-Lord. The sea and all that is in it is beckoned to "roar" a welcome as well as the world and they who reside in it. The floods of rivers and lakes are called to clap their hand with manifest joy. And the hills are to be joyful before the Lord, in one accord. Because He comes to judge and rule the world and the people in absolute equity and righteousness, as it has never been ruled before, Isaiah 2:1-5; Isaiah 11:1-5; Luke 1:32-33; Revelation 5:9-14. A state of peace, joy, and blessedness shall come when Jesus our Blessed Hope arrives, Titus 2:13-14; Psalms 96:10; Psalms 96:13.