What does Psalm 98 explain?

Psalm 98 is a jubilant hymn of praise that celebrates the marvelous works of the Lord and His salvation. This psalm, often categorized as one of the Royal Psalms, invites all creation to join in exulting God's mighty deeds and His righteous judgment. To fully appreciate Psalm 98, we must delve into its rich imagery and theological significance, exploring how it reflects God's relationship with His people and the world.

Sing to the Lord a New Song

The psalm begins with an exhortation: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him" (Psalm 98:1, NIV). This call to sing a "new song" signifies a fresh, spontaneous outburst of praise in response to God's latest acts of deliverance. The "new song" motif is a recurring theme in the Psalms and elsewhere in the Bible (e.g., Psalm 33:3, Revelation 5:9), symbolizing the ongoing revelation of God's power and grace.

The "marvelous things" the psalmist refers to are God's redemptive acts, which are often seen in the context of Israel's history—such as the Exodus or the return from Babylonian exile. However, these acts can also be understood more broadly as God's continual intervention in the lives of His people. The mention of God's "right hand and holy arm" emphasizes His strength and holiness, attributes that are integral to His ability to save.

The Lord's Salvation and Righteousness

Verses 2 and 3 further highlight the themes of salvation and righteousness: "The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God" (Psalm 98:2-3, NIV). Here, the psalmist underscores the universal scope of God's salvation. It is not limited to Israel but is a revelation to all nations.

The term "righteousness" in this context is multifaceted. It encompasses God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His moral purity, and His just governance. By revealing His righteousness, God demonstrates His commitment to justice and His unwavering love for His people. The psalmist's assertion that "all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God" anticipates the global mission of the Gospel, where the message of salvation through Jesus Christ reaches every corner of the world (Matthew 28:19-20).

Joyful Noise to the Lord

The psalm transitions into a call for all creation to join in a symphony of praise: "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King" (Psalm 98:4-6, NIV). This exuberant invitation includes not only human voices but also musical instruments, symbolizing the full orchestration of creation's praise.

The use of musical instruments like the harp, trumpets, and ram's horn (shofar) is significant. In ancient Israel, these instruments were often associated with worship and important religious ceremonies. Their inclusion in this psalm underscores the sacredness of the act of praise and the communal nature of worship. The reference to God as "the King" reinforces His sovereign rule over all creation, a theme that is central to the Royal Psalms.

Creation's Response to the Lord's Reign

Verses 7-8 extend the call to praise to the natural world: "Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy" (Psalm 98:7-8, NIV). This poetic imagery personifies elements of creation, portraying them as active participants in the worship of God. The sea, rivers, and mountains are depicted as rejoicing, a vivid reminder that all of creation is under God's dominion and responds to His glory.

This imagery resonates with other biblical passages that depict creation's response to God's presence and actions. For instance, Isaiah 55:12 states, "the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." Such passages emphasize the interconnectedness of creation and humanity in the worship of the Creator.

The Lord's Righteous Judgment

The psalm concludes with a declaration of God's righteous judgment: "Let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity" (Psalm 98:9, NIV). This final verse encapsulates the hope and assurance that God's judgment brings. Unlike human judgments, which can be flawed and biased, God's judgment is perfectly righteous and equitable.

The anticipation of God's coming to judge the earth is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with the Day of the Lord (e.g., Joel 2:1-11, Malachi 4:1-3). For believers, this is a source of comfort and hope, as it signifies the ultimate vindication of righteousness and the establishment of God's just kingdom. The psalmist's confidence in God's just rule invites us to trust in His sovereignty and look forward to the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

Theological Reflections and Applications

Psalm 98 offers profound theological insights and practical applications for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of worship and praise. Our response to God's mighty acts should be one of spontaneous and heartfelt worship, recognizing His ongoing work in our lives and in the world. The call to sing a "new song" challenges us to continually renew our praise and not become complacent in our worship.

Secondly, the psalm underscores the universality of God's salvation. As Christians, we are called to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, reflecting the psalmist's declaration that "all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God." This global mission is a central aspect of our faith, and Psalm 98 encourages us to participate actively in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Thirdly, the psalm highlights the interconnectedness of creation and humanity in the worship of God. The personification of the sea, rivers, and mountains in their praise of the Lord invites us to recognize our role as stewards of creation. We are called to care for the environment and acknowledge that all of creation reflects God's glory.

Lastly, the assurance of God's righteous judgment provides hope and encouragement. In a world often marked by injustice and suffering, the promise of God's equitable judgment reminds us that He is in control and that His justice will ultimately prevail. This assurance empowers us to live righteously and advocate for justice, knowing that our efforts align with God's purposes.

Conclusion

Psalm 98 is a rich and vibrant hymn that calls us to celebrate God's marvelous deeds, His universal salvation, and His righteous judgment. Through its vivid imagery and theological depth, the psalm invites us to join all creation in a symphony of praise, recognizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness. As we reflect on this psalm, may we be inspired to offer our heartfelt worship, proclaim the Gospel to all nations, care for creation, and trust in God's just rule.