Overview of Psalm 98

Introduction

Psalm 98 is a jubilant song of praise that celebrates God’s victorious and righteous rule over the earth. It calls all of creation to worship God for His justice and marvelous deeds, reinforcing themes of universal joy and divine governance.

Call to Sing a New Song (Psalm 98:1-3)

The psalm begins with an exhortation to “sing to the Lord a new song,” based on His wondrous deeds, particularly His victories. The psalmist notes that God’s salvation has been made known and revealed His righteousness to the nations.

Celebration of Divine Victory

This section highlights the reasons for praise: God’s victories and justice are evident to all, showcasing His power and faithfulness. It underscores the global impact of God’s actions, which have implications for all humanity, inviting a response of joy and song.

God’s Justice and Fairness (Psalm 98:4-6)

The middle verses of the psalm call the earth to burst into jubilant song with music, trumpets, and the blast of the ram’s horn, celebrating before the Lord the King.

Universal Call to Joyful Praise

Here, the call for joyful praise is not just for Israel but for the entire world, emphasizing that God’s rule and justice are reasons for universal celebration. The instrumentation and vocal praise illustrate a festive, all-encompassing acknowledgment of God’s kingship.

All Creation Joins in Praise (Psalm 98:7-9)

The psalm concludes with a call for the sea and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, and the rivers and mountains to join in the chorus of praise to God. This call anticipates God’s coming to judge the earth with righteousness and equity.

Creation Rejoices in Anticipation of Righteous Judgment

This final section personifies nature as actively participating in the celebration of God’s justice. It looks forward to God’s judgment, perceived as a joyous event where His fairness and righteousness will be fully manifest to all.

Connections and Theological Implications

Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 98 connects to Jesus Christ through its celebration of God’s salvation and righteousness made known to the nations. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies and fulfills these themes; His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate demonstration of God’s saving power and righteous judgment. Christ’s gospel reaches all nations, fulfilling the psalm’s prophecy of God’s justice being recognized worldwide.

God’s Love for the World

This psalm demonstrates God’s love by highlighting His desire for all nations to know His salvation and experience His righteous rule. It portrays a God who is not only just but actively involved in ensuring that His creation is treated with fairness and love.

Relevance Today

Psalm 98 remains profoundly relevant today for several reasons:

• Encouragement in Global Evangelism: It motivates believers to proclaim the gospel of salvation to every corner of the earth, emphasizing that God’s deeds are worthy of global recognition.
• Inspiration for Worship and Praise: The psalm encourages joyful praise and worship, reminding believers of the joy found in God’s presence and His righteous acts.
• Anticipation of God’s Kingdom: It fosters a hopeful anticipation of Christ’s second coming, where His justice will be fully realized, providing comfort and motivation to live righteously.

Psalm 98 not only acts as a declaration of praise for God’s mighty acts but also serves as a reminder of the joy and righteousness that characterize His kingdom, making it a call to both celebration and holy living.