Overview

Psalm 98 is a song of praise celebrating God’s mighty acts of salvation and His righteous reign over the earth. The chapter is a call to all of creation to rejoice in the Lord’s triumph, particularly His deliverance of His people. The psalm begins with a personal expression of gratitude for God’s saving actions, moves to an invitation for the earth and its inhabitants to join in praise, and concludes with the expectation of God’s ultimate judgment and the restoration of righteousness.

This psalm speaks of the universal scope of God’s salvation and the invitation for all people to respond in worship. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s rule as just and right, with all creation responding to His reign. Theologically, the psalm affirms the inerrancy and authority of God as the Creator, Savior, and Judge, whose justice and mercy are revealed in His redemptive acts. Psalm 98 draws from both Israel’s past experience of God’s deliverance and the future hope of God’s final judgment, making it a bridge between personal praise and cosmic worship.

The theological significance of Psalm 98 lies in its affirmation of God’s sovereignty, His plan for salvation, and the joy that comes with His deliverance. It presents the Lord as not just the savior of Israel but the savior of all people and all of creation, underscoring the inclusiveness of His grace. It anticipates the fullness of God’s kingdom, where justice and peace will prevail.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 98 is attributed to the time of Israel’s return from exile, when the nation was being restored after a period of judgment and suffering. This would suggest that the psalm has historical roots in the celebration of God’s mighty acts of deliverance—specifically the restoration of Israel from Babylonian exile. It reflects the collective memory of God’s redemptive history and anticipates the future fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.

This psalm belongs to the genre of hymns of praise, a category of psalms meant to celebrate God’s greatness. Psalm 98 has a strong eschatological dimension, pointing forward to the ultimate triumph of God’s justice over evil at the end of history. The psalm, while rooted in Israel’s experience, is forward-looking, expecting the eventual establishment of God’s righteous kingdom.

Literarily, Psalm 98 begins with a personal and intimate expression of gratitude for God’s past saving acts and then expands to call upon the entire earth to participate in this praise. It is a psalm of inclusivity, showing how God’s work is not only for Israel but for all nations and all creation. The call to worship in this psalm is universal in scope—God’s reign and His justice affect the entire earth, inviting all people to rejoice.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. God’s Sovereignty and Rule: The psalm celebrates God’s ultimate authority over creation, emphasizing His kingship and rule. His sovereignty is not just a theological truth but a cause for worship, as His reign brings both salvation and justice.
2. Salvation and Redemption: The psalm speaks of God’s deliverance, particularly His work of salvation for His people. This reflects God’s mercy and faithfulness to His promises to Israel and is extended to all people.
3. The Universal Scope of God’s Kingdom: God’s reign is not limited to Israel but is a universal reality. The psalm calls all of creation—rivers, hills, seas, and nations—to rejoice and participate in praising the Lord, pointing to the future fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for all nations.
4. The Final Judgment and Justice: The psalm concludes with an expectation of God’s final judgment. This theme of judgment is central to the psalm’s hope, as it points forward to a time when God will judge the earth with righteousness and the peoples with equity. It underscores the importance of God’s justice and the promise that wrongs will be made right.
5. Praise and Worship: The psalm is a call to worship, not only for God’s acts of salvation but also for His righteous rule. The joy that stems from knowing God’s sovereignty and salvation should be expressed in praise and music, as the psalm highlights the importance of joyful worship.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Psalm 98:1

“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.”

This opening verse calls the people to sing a new song to the Lord, a song of praise for His marvelous deeds. The “new song” signifies a fresh expression of gratitude for God’s ongoing work in salvation. This reflects a heart that continually recognizes God’s acts of deliverance and worships Him anew each time He demonstrates His power and mercy. The “right hand” and “holy arm” symbolize God’s power and authority. In the Old Testament, God’s right hand is often a metaphor for His strength and might, demonstrating that the salvation God brings is not only personal but also powerful and sovereign. This verse calls for worship grounded in God’s deliverance, pointing to His mighty hand in securing salvation.

Cross-reference: Exodus 15:2 – The song of Moses and Miriam after the Red Sea crossing, which similarly celebrates God’s salvation and mighty acts.

Application: Believers are called to praise God for His past and present acts of salvation, seeing His work as an ongoing source of joy and hope. This encourages Christians to remain fresh in their worship and appreciation of God’s continuing faithfulness.

Psalm 98:2 

“The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.”

This verse emphasizes the revelation of God’s salvation and righteousness, not only to Israel but to all nations. God’s salvation is not a secret or limited to one people group but is intended to be made known to the entire world. His righteousness refers to His moral perfection, justice, and faithfulness to His promises. The revelation of His righteousness is a proclamation of justice, that He will not let evil go unpunished, and righteousness will prevail.

Cross-reference: Isaiah 52:10 – “The Lord has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.”

Application: The global scope of God’s salvation in this verse reminds believers of the importance of proclaiming the gospel to all nations. The righteousness of God, which is part of His salvation, should fuel evangelism and mission efforts as the good news is shared worldwide.

Psalm 98:3 

“He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”

This verse reflects God’s covenantal faithfulness to Israel, reminding the reader that God has not forgotten His promises. His love and faithfulness have been displayed in bringing salvation to His people, and this salvation is a witness to all nations. It implies that God’s acts of salvation are not only for Israel but are a testimony of His grace to the world. The phrase “all the ends of the earth” indicates the universal impact of God’s salvation.

Cross-reference: Psalm 98:3 is echoed in Isaiah 49:6 – “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Application: God’s faithfulness to Israel should encourage Christians today that God keeps His promises. This calls the Church to participate in God’s redemptive plan by sharing the gospel with all people, extending the invitation of salvation to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 98:4

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;”

Here, the psalmist calls all of creation to respond to God’s salvation with joy. The command to “shout for joy” and “burst into jubilant song” expresses the proper response to God’s greatness and saving power. The inclusion of “all the earth” broadens the invitation to all of creation, reinforcing the idea that God’s salvation and rule are universal.

Cross-reference: Isaiah 55:12 – “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”

Application: Christians should express their joy in God’s salvation through worship and praise. This verse also reminds us that praise is not just a personal response but a corporate and cosmic act. The joy of salvation is something to be shared and celebrated by the whole community of faith.

Psalm 98:5-6

“Sing 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.”

The psalmist invites a variety of instruments in the worship of God. This section highlights the importance of praising God with all available means, including musical instruments. The mention of the “trumpets” and “ram’s horn” recalls the ancient tradition of trumpet blasts during significant moments in Israel’s history, especially in times of celebration or announcement of a king’s reign.

Cross-reference: 1 Chronicles 16:6 – “With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

Application: Worship is to be expressed in every way possible, using the gifts and resources God has given us. This encourages the use of music, arts, and other forms of expression as valid ways to praise and honor God. It also speaks to the celebratory nature of worship that is fitting for a King.

Psalm 98:7-9

“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; 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.”

The final verses expand the scope of worship to include the entire created order. The sea, rivers, and mountains are anthropomorphized, given the ability to “clap” and “sing.” This is a poetic expression of how all creation is to praise God for His righteousness and justice. The last phrase introduces the theme of God’s judgment. God’s coming to judge is a cause for joy for His people because His judgment is based on righteousness and equity, not favoritism or corruption.

Cross-reference: Romans 8:19-22 – “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”

Application: God’s coming judgment should be understood as both a terrifying reality for the wicked and a hopeful expectation for believers, who long for the restoration of all things. The creation itself eagerly anticipates the day when God’s righteousness will be fully realized.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 98, in its call for universal worship and rejoicing over God’s salvation, ultimately points to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The chapter celebrates God’s victory and His righteousness revealed through salvation, which finds its fullest expression in the person and work of Jesus. As the “new song” is called for, it echoes the ultimate act of salvation that Christ accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. Jesus is the one who brought the salvation prophesied in the Old Testament to its fulfillment. His work on the cross made God’s righteousness known to all nations, just as the psalmist declared (verse 2). When we sing of salvation today, it is through Christ’s accomplished work that we have reason to rejoice, for He is the fulfillment of God’s promises of salvation.

Additionally, the reference to God’s right hand and holy arm (verse 1) is intimately connected with the person of Jesus, as He is the one who brings God’s salvation to humanity. In the New Testament, Christ is often depicted as the “right hand” of God, executing His will and accomplishing salvation (see Hebrews 1:3). Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s righteousness and love, and Psalm 98 invites us to see the fullness of this in Him.

Connection to the Father

Psalm 98 emphasizes God’s sovereign rule and righteous judgment, elements that are inseparably connected to God the Father. In the psalm, God’s righteous acts are central—He brings salvation, reveals His righteousness to the nations, and will judge the world in equity. These acts are part of the Father’s eternal plan of redemption for humanity. The Father, who is the originator of salvation, works through Jesus to make salvation known and to restore all things to Himself. The psalmist calls all creation to rejoice in God’s sovereignty and righteousness, which is realized most fully in the Father’s work through Christ.

The Father’s love is the source of all salvation, and His will is for the world to come to a knowledge of His truth. As Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), His mission was the fulfillment of the Father’s redemptive plan. Through Jesus, the Father makes His justice and mercy known, and He invites all people to worship Him, recognizing His eternal goodness and faithfulness.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

While Psalm 98 does not directly reference the Holy Spirit, the Spirit plays an essential role in the application and realization of the salvation described in the chapter. The Holy Spirit is the one who enables believers to experience and respond to God’s salvation. In the New Testament, the Spirit is the one who empowers the proclamation of the gospel, just as the psalm calls for the message of salvation to be known to all nations. Through the Holy Spirit, the believer is able to rejoice in God’s salvation and participate in the worship and praise described in this psalm.

The Spirit also assures believers of the righteousness of God and brings about a transformation that aligns them with God’s will. As the Spirit is at work in the hearts of God’s people, He enables them to live out the call to worship God for His righteous judgment and His saving grace.

Connection to God’s Love

Psalm 98 beautifully reveals the depth of God’s love and care for humanity, particularly through His redemptive plan. The psalm calls for joy and praise because of God’s salvation, which is an act of divine love. God’s salvation is not something earned by human effort but is a free gift, extended to all people, evidenced through His righteousness and His mercy. The salvation described in the psalm is not just a national or historical salvation but a universal one, available to all nations. This reflects the immense scope of God’s love for the world.

God’s love is made known in His faithfulness to His promises and in His just judgment. The future judgment described in the psalm is an act of God’s love because it will right all wrongs and restore justice to the world. In Christ, we see the ultimate revelation of God’s love—a love that extends to the cross, where Jesus willingly gave His life for sinners. Through Christ’s work, God’s love brings redemption and restoration to a fallen world, fulfilling the hope expressed in Psalm 98.

In the fullness of God’s redemptive work, we see a profound demonstration of love: God loves His creation enough to restore it, to bring salvation through Christ, and to call all nations to rejoice in His righteousness. This love is meant to transform the hearts of believers, calling them into a deeper relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “Rejoicing in God’s Righteousness and Salvation”

Introduction

• Open with a story or analogy of a time when someone experienced a profound victory or liberation (e.g., a community overcoming adversity or a personal testimony of salvation).
• Highlight the importance of joy and praise in response to victory. Psalm 98 invites us to rejoice in God’s salvation and sovereignty, a theme that resonates with every believer today.

I. Rejoicing in God’s Victory (Psalm 98:1-3)

• Main Point: God’s salvation and righteousness have been revealed to the world, and we are called to respond with joyful praise.
• Transition: Having established the basis for our joy, the psalm then invites all of creation to join in this universal celebration of God’s victory.
• Application: Christians today are to reflect on God’s salvation—whether through personal experiences of salvation or by meditating on the gospel—and respond with gratitude, praise, and worship.

II. The Call to Praise All Creation (Psalm 98:4-8)

• Main Point: God’s salvation is not limited to Israel but is for all people and all creation. This universal scope of salvation should provoke all of creation to respond in worship.
• Transition: The psalm moves from human praise to the cosmic, showing that all creation is part of the celebration.
• Application: This should inspire us to think about how the gospel spreads to all nations and people groups. Christians should embrace the global nature of the gospel and engage in evangelism, sharing the message of God’s salvation and righteousness.

III. God’s Righteousness and Judgment (Psalm 98:9)

• Main Point: God’s righteous judgment is a cause for celebration, for it promises justice and the end of evil.
• Transition: After calling all creation to praise, the psalmist reveals the reason for this universal worship—God will judge the world with righteousness and fairness.
• Application: We are called to trust in God’s justice, especially in a world that often feels unjust. Christians should have hope, knowing that God will right every wrong in His perfect time.

Conclusion and Call to Action

• Main Point: Psalm 98 invites all of creation to join in praise for God’s righteous and saving work. Our worship is a response to the salvation we have in Christ and the promise of God’s future justice.
• Call to Action: Encourage the congregation to reflect on their personal salvation and respond with joy, worship, and trust in God’s justice. Lead the congregation in a time of worship, acknowledging the greatness of God’s righteousness and salvation.

Illustrations and Examples

• Personal Salvation: Share a story from your own life or the life of a believer in your church, focusing on how God’s salvation brought joy and transformation. For example, recount a time when someone came to faith, and the rejoicing that followed.
• Cosmic Worship: Use an analogy to explain how God’s salvation is not limited to a specific group of people but is global. For instance, refer to the way a major sports victory brings people from different nations and backgrounds together to celebrate the same victory. Just as a team’s success brings all its supporters together, God’s salvation brings all creation together to celebrate.
• Justice in Today’s World: Share an example of how God’s justice should give us hope in an unjust world. You might reference recent events of injustice in society and explain how, even when justice feels delayed, we can trust that God will bring about ultimate justice.

Application for Today’s Christian

• Discipleship: Psalm 98 challenges believers to cultivate a lifestyle of praise and worship. Daily discipleship includes living with a heart of gratitude for the salvation we have in Christ. Christians should regularly spend time in worship, either privately or corporately, acknowledging God’s righteousness and salvation.
• Stewardship: The universal call to praise also reminds believers of the responsibility they have in sharing the gospel. Psalm 98’s call to all creation to celebrate God’s victory speaks to our mission as Christians—to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Every believer is called to actively participate in God’s redemptive mission.
• Living Out Faith: In light of the promise of God’s ultimate justice, Christians can live confidently, even when facing difficult circumstances. We are to trust in God’s righteous judgment and live in light of that truth. In practice, this means standing for justice in our own lives, showing love and kindness, and working toward reconciliation in a broken world.

Reflection Questions

1. Personal Response to Salvation: Psalm 98 calls us to rejoice in God’s salvation. How do you personally respond to the salvation that God has granted to you? In what ways can you cultivate a heart of joy and praise in your daily life?
2. The Universal Call to Praise: Verses 4-8 speak to the call for all creation to rejoice. How does this global vision of God’s salvation affect your perspective on evangelism? Are there specific steps you can take to share the good news with others who haven’t heard it?
3. God’s Justice in the World: Psalm 98 highlights God’s righteous judgment. In a world where we often witness injustice, how does the promise of God’s future judgment bring you hope? How can this understanding change the way you approach situations of injustice in your own life?
4. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: How does the portrayal of God as the righteous judge (verse 9) affect your trust in His sovereignty? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to trust God’s timing and judgment, especially when faced with trials or when justice seems delayed?Living with Purpose in Worship: The psalmist encourages a life of worship in response to God’s salvation and justice. What does it look like for you to worship God throughout your daily routine? How can you intentionally incorporate praise and worship into your life this week?