Psalms98
King James Version · Public Domain
1 O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
2 The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
5 Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.
7 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
8 Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
9 Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
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Psalms 98Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 98. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The glory of the Redeemer. (1–3). The joy of the Redeemer. (4–9).
vv1-3
A song of praise for redeeming love is a new song, a mystery hidden from ages and generations. Converts sing a new song, very different from what they had sung. If the grace of God put a new heart into our breasts, it will put a new song into our mouths. Let this new song be sung to the praise of God, in consideration of the wonders he has wrought. The Redeemer has overcome all difficulties in the way of our redemption, and was not discouraged by the services or sufferings appointed him. Let us praise him for the discoveries made to the world of the work of redemption; his salvation and his righteousness fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament. In pursuance of this design, God raised up his Son Jesus to be not only a Light to lighten the Gentiles, but the glory of his people Israel. Surely it behoves us to inquire whether his holy arm hath gotten the victory in our hearts, over the power of Satan, unbelief, and sin? If this be our happy case, we shall exchange all light songs of vanity for songs of joy and thanksgiving; our lives will celebrate the Redeemer's praise.
vv4-9
Let all the children of men rejoice in the setting up the kingdom of Christ, for all may benefit by it. The different orders of rational creatures in the universe, seem to be described in figurative language in the reign of the great Messiah. The kingdom of Christ will be a blessing to the whole creation. We expect his second coming to begin his glorious reign. Then shall heaven and earth rejoice, and the joy of the redeemed shall be full. But sin and its dreadful effects will not be utterly done away, till the Lord come to judge the world in righteousness. Seeing then that we look for such things, let us give diligence that we may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Key Words
מִזְמוֹר: properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes
שִׁיר: to sing
חָדָשׁ: new
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
כִּי: (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָשָׂה: to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
פָּלָא: properly, perhaps to separate, i.e. distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
יָמִין: the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
קֹדֶשׁ: a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
זְרוֹעַ: the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
Cross References
Psalms 98Calvin explicitly links 'his own arm brought salvation' in Isaiah to 'his holy arm' here.
Supported by John Calvin
All the ends of the earth seeing the salvation of God matches Isaiah's identical phrase.
Supported by JFB
Parallel command to sing a new song; Poole notes both psalms share identical themes and scopes.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Zacharias celebrates God remembering His holy covenant/mercy to Israel, fulfilling this psalm.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Poole and JFB direct to Psalm 96:11-13 for identical poetic summons of creation to rejoice.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
JFB links the 'bursting forth' of joy in mountains and forests to Isaiah's creation praise.
Supported by JFB
Identical eschatological expectation of the Lord coming to judge the earth in righteousness.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Poole notes New Testament worship described in terms of Old Testament musical instruments.
Supported by Matthew Poole