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Psalm 98

Psalm 98 celebrates God’s salvation and reign, encouraging all creation to join in praise. The psalm emphasizes God’s faithfulness to Israel and points to a future where the Lord judges the earth with righteousness.

Psalm 98:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
2 The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

The psalm begins by calling for a new song in response to God’s marvelous works, signifying His powerful intervention. God’s victory is described as coming from His own power and holiness. The salvation He offers extends beyond Israel, being witnessed by all nations. His mercy and faithfulness to Israel demonstrate His covenant-keeping nature, and His acts of deliverance are evidence of His righteous character, reaching to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 98:4-6 (NKJV)
4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
5 Sing to the Lord with the harp, With the harp and the sound of a psalm,
6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.

The psalm invites not only Israel but the entire earth to participate in joyful praise. Music is used as an expression of worship, employing instruments like harps and trumpets. These instruments were often associated with public celebrations and royal events, underscoring that God is King. The imagery emphasizes exuberance, signaling that God’s reign and salvation bring joy and hope to all people.

Psalm 98:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell in it;
8 Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the hills be joyful together
9 before the Lord, For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, And the peoples with equity.

Nature itself is invited to join in the praise. The sea, rivers, and hills are personified as rejoicing in anticipation of God’s righteous judgment. This cosmic celebration reflects the harmony that results when God’s justice is established. His coming judgment is portrayed as fair and righteous, offering equity to all people. The focus on judgment provides hope for the oppressed, as it signifies the restoration of justice and peace in creation.

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