Psalms 98

A Psalm.

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.

The LORD has made known his salvation. He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations.

He has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!

Sing praises to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the voice of melody.

With trumpets and sound of the ram’s horn, make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD.

Let the sea roar with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.

Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the mountains sing for joy together.

Let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This psalm celebrates the LORD’s victorious salvation and universal kingship, calling all creation to rejoice in anticipation of His righteous judgment. It unfolds as a hymn of praise, grounded in God’s faithful acts in history, particularly His deliverance for Israel, yet extending to all nations and the natural world. Positioned within Book IV of the Psalter (Psalms 90–106), Psalm 98 functions as a royal and eschatological declaration, linking divine salvation with the coming rule of the LORD over the earth.

Flow.

Begins with a call to sing a “new song” in response to the LORD’s wondrous salvation, achieved through His own power and holiness (v. 1).
Expands the scope of this salvation: God has revealed His righteousness to the nations and fulfilled His covenant loyalty to Israel (v. 2–3).
Summons all the earth and all instruments of music to join in loud, joyful praise (v. 4–6).
Invites the whole creation—the seas, rivers, mountains—to sing before the LORD who is coming to judge the world with righteousness (v. 7–9).

Connections.
Following chapter 97, which portrays the LORD as king over the earth and emphasizes His coming in judgment accompanied by fire and lightning, Psalm 98 deepens the theme of divine kingship by anchoring it in salvation history and extending praise to all creation. Where chapter 97 focuses on God’s glory as awe-inspiring and fearsome, chapter 98 emphasizes joy and universal proclamation. This movement from revelation to response prepares for chapter 99, which returns to God’s kingship but adds the note of His holiness, enthronement above cherubim, and justice in governing His people.

What it teaches.
The psalm teaches that God’s salvation is both historical and universal, flowing from His covenant faithfulness (hesed) and righteousness (WCF 7.1–2; BC Art. 21). His saving acts are not hidden but openly displayed among the nations (v. 2), fulfilling His promise to bless the seed of Abraham and extend mercy to all peoples (WCF 7.3). The call for all creation to rejoice reflects the doctrine that the whole cosmos is ordered toward God’s glory and will participate in His restored kingdom (; HC LD 9). The coming judgment is not a threat but a hope, because it will be executed in equity and righteousness (, 98:9), affirming God’s just rule over all (WCF 20.2; LD 12). The “new song” (v. 1) signifies a fresh work of redemption, fitting the pattern of God’s redemptive acts culminating in Christ (; though not cited by name, the typology is consonant with WCF 8.6).

Apply.
Worship the LORD now with joyful confidence, as one whose salvation has been revealed and whose just rule will fill the earth.

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