◄ Psalm 98 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Sing to the LORD a New Song Psalm 98, beautifully reflecting a universal celebration of God's righteousness and salvation, invites all to partake in the divine dance of joy and worship. The boundaries between mankind and nature blur as all creation joins in a symphony of praise. The righteous Judge is also a loving Savior, reminding us to live with faith and fairness in a world awaiting His divine judgement. Verses 1-3: God's Marvelous Deeds and Salvation The Psalmist begins by urging everyone to sing a new song to the Lord for the wonderful deeds He has performed. God's right hand and holy arm have worked salvation, and His righteousness has been openly shown to all nations. His faithful love and promise to Israel have been remembered, prompting all ends of the earth to witness God's salvation. Verses 4-6: The Call to Joyful Worship The Psalmist calls the earth to joyful noise in honor of the Lord. Let the sounds of lyres, trumpets, and horns echo across lands and seas, resounding the praise of the King, the Lord. Verses 7-9: Creation Joins in Praise The seas, rivers, and hills join the chorus of the world in jubilant praise. For the Lord is coming to judge the earth with righteousness and the world with fairness. Psalm 98, a psalm of exuberant joy and celebration, invites all creation to rejoice in the righteousness, salvation, and kingship of God. The Psalmist expresses deep gratitude for the Lord's faithfulness and love. With poetic imagery and vibrant language, this Psalm unites the chorus of nature and mankind in worship of the Divine. Teaching Points A New Song for New Mercies Psalm 98:1 begins with an invitation to sing a new song to the Lord. This reflects the fresh mercies and continuous acts of salvation God provides. It encourages believers to continually renew their worship and gratitude. God's Marvelous Deeds The psalm highlights God's marvelous things and His right hand and holy arm that have worked salvation (Psalm 98:1). This emphasizes God's active role in history and His power in delivering His people. Universal Recognition of God's Salvation Verses 2-3 declare that the Lord has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations. This points to the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, extending beyond Israel to all peoples. Joyful Worship The psalm is filled with expressions of joy and music, urging all creation to join in praise (Psalm 98:4-6). This underscores the importance of joyful worship as a response to God's goodness. The Righteous Judge Psalm 98:9 concludes with the assurance that the Lord will judge the world with righteousness and equity. This provides hope and assurance that God's justice will ultimately prevail. Practical Applications Renew Your Worship Consider how you can incorporate new expressions of worship in your daily life, reflecting on God's ongoing work in your life. Share God's Salvation Be intentional about sharing the message of God's salvation with others, recognizing that His righteousness is for all nations. Embrace Joyful Worship Engage in worship with joy and enthusiasm, whether through singing, playing instruments, or other forms of praise. Trust in God's Justice In times of injustice or uncertainty, find comfort in the knowledge that God is a righteous judge who will bring about true justice. People 1. The LORD (YHWH) The central figure in Psalm 98, the LORD is praised for His marvelous deeds, salvation, and righteousness. The Hebrew root for LORD is "YHWH," which is the sacred name of God, often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." The psalm celebrates His kingship and His role as the righteous judge of the earth. 2. All the Earth This refers to the collective creation, including all people and nature, called to make a joyful noise to the LORD. The Hebrew term "kol ha'aretz" encompasses the entirety of the earth and its inhabitants, highlighting the universal call to worship. 3. The House of Israel While not explicitly named in this psalm, the context of God's salvation and faithfulness to Israel is implied. The Hebrew people are often the primary audience in the Psalms, celebrating God's covenantal relationship with them. 4. The Seas and Rivers These elements of creation are personified and called to join in the praise of God. The Hebrew words "yam" (sea) and "nahar" (river) symbolize the natural world's participation in worship. 5. The Mountains Also personified, the mountains are depicted as rejoicing before the LORD. The Hebrew word "harim" refers to these natural elevations, emphasizing the grandeur and majesty of creation in response to God's rule. In summary, Psalm 98 focuses on the LORD as the primary "person" and the collective response of creation, including the earth, seas, rivers, and mountains, in worship and praise. Places 1. The Earth The psalm speaks of the earth as a whole, emphasizing the universal scope of God's salvation and the call for all the earth to make a joyful noise to the Lord. The Hebrew word used here is "אֶרֶץ" (erets), which generally means land or earth. 2. The World The world is mentioned in the context of all its inhabitants being called to join in praise. The Hebrew term "תֵּבֵל" (tebel) is used, which often refers to the inhabited world or the earth in its fullness. Events 1. A New Song for the LORD The psalm begins with a call to "Sing to the LORD a new song" (Psalm 98:1). This reflects the Hebrew word "שִׁיר" (shir), meaning song, emphasizing a fresh expression of worship due to God's marvelous deeds. 2. The LORD's Marvelous Deeds The psalmist declares that the LORD "has done marvelous things" (Psalm 98:1). The Hebrew word "נִפְלָאוֹת" (nifla'ot) indicates extraordinary acts that inspire awe. 3. Victory through His Right Hand The psalm notes that "His right hand and holy arm have worked salvation for Him" (Psalm 98:1). The "right hand" symbolizes power and authority in Hebrew culture. 4. The LORD's Salvation Made Known It is proclaimed that "The LORD has made His salvation known" (Psalm 98:2). The Hebrew word "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshu'ah) refers to deliverance or victory. 5. Revelation of Righteousness The psalm states that "He has revealed His righteousness to the nations" (Psalm 98:2). The Hebrew "צֶדֶק" (tsedeq) signifies justice and moral rightness. 6. Remembrance of Love and Faithfulness The psalmist affirms that "He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel" (Psalm 98:3). The Hebrew "חֶסֶד" (chesed) and "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah) denote steadfast love and faithfulness. 7. All the Ends of the Earth Witness Salvation It is declared that "all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God" (Psalm 98:3). This emphasizes the universal scope of God's deliverance. 8. Joyful Noise to the LORD The psalm calls for a "joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth" (Psalm 98:4). The Hebrew "רוּעַ" (rua') means to shout or make a loud noise, indicating exuberant praise. 9. Musical Praise with Instruments The psalm encourages praise with "the harp and the sound of singing" (Psalm 98:5), and "trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn" (Psalm 98:6). These instruments were integral to Hebrew worship. 10. The Sea and World Rejoice The psalmist invites the sea and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it to resound with praise (Psalm 98:7). 11. Rivers and Mountains Sing for Joy The rivers are called to "clap their hands" and the mountains to "sing together for joy" (Psalm 98:8), using vivid imagery to depict nature's participation in worship. 12. The LORD Comes to Judge the Earth The psalm concludes with the declaration that "He comes to judge the earth" (Psalm 98:9). The Hebrew "שָׁפַט" (shaphat) means to judge or govern, highlighting God's righteous rule. Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 42:10 Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth. This verse echoes the call to sing a new song, emphasizing the global scope of worship. Revelation 15:3-4 And they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: 'Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.' This passage connects the themes of God's marvelous deeds and worship in heaven. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. This verse aligns with the psalm's emphasis on God's salvation being revealed to all. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for Salvation Thank God for His marvelous deeds and the salvation He has provided through Jesus Christ. Joyful Worship Pray for a heart that is continually filled with joy and gratitude, leading to authentic and exuberant worship. Boldness in Sharing the Gospel Ask for courage and opportunities to share the message of God's salvation with others. Trust in God's Justice Pray for faith to trust in God's righteous judgment, especially in situations where justice seems delayed or absent. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery used in Psalm 98 enhance your understanding of God's greatness? 2. What does it mean to "sing a new song" to the Lord? How can this apply to your personal worship? 3. How does the Psalmist describe the salvation of the Lord? In what ways have you personally experienced this salvation? 4. How is God's righteousness displayed to all nations? How can you show God's righteousness in your interactions with others? 5. The Psalmist refers to the joy of creation in praising the Lord. How does nature's praise inspire your own worship? 6. How can we join the earth in making a "joyful noise" to the Lord in our daily life? 7. Reflect on the statement: "The Lord is coming to judge the earth." How does this statement affect your view of justice? 8. How does the assurance of God's righteous judgment comfort you? How can it guide your decisions and actions? 9. In the context of this Psalm, how is God's love displayed toward Israel? How have you experienced God's love and faithfulness? 10. How does this Psalm affect your understanding of the interconnectedness of all creation in worshiping God? 11. How can we practically demonstrate joy in God's salvation like the seas, rivers, and hills? 12. How does the final verse "He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with fairness" impact your perception of God's justice in the world? 13. How does the Psalm's depiction of God as both a righteous Judge and a loving Savior influence your relationship with Him? 14. How can we apply the themes of praise and worship from this Psalm in our communities? 15. How does this Psalm inspire you to proclaim God's salvation and righteousness to others? 16. In a world often filled with unrighteousness, how can we maintain a heart of worship like the Psalmist? 17. How does the joy expressed in this Psalm guide your approach to handling challenges in life? 18. Reflecting on this Psalm, how can you actively seek to witness God's marvelous deeds in your everyday life? 19. How does the joyful celebration in this Psalm inspire you to spread the message of God's love and righteousness to those around you? 20. Reflecting on Psalm 98, how would you describe the character of God? How does this affect your personal faith journey? Topics 1. A New Song of Praise Psalm 98 begins with a call to sing a "new song" to the LORD, emphasizing the freshness and ongoing relevance of worship. The Hebrew word for "new" (חָדָשׁ, chadash) suggests something fresh and unprecedented, highlighting the continuous renewal of God's mercies and acts. 2. The LORD's Marvelous Deeds The psalmist celebrates the LORD's "marvelous deeds" (נִפְלָאוֹת, niphla'ot), which refer to His miraculous works and interventions in history. These deeds are a testament to His power and faithfulness. 3. Salvation and Righteousness Revealed The psalm declares that the LORD has made His "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshu'ah) and "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) known to the nations. This reflects God's desire for all people to witness His saving power and moral integrity. 4. Remembrance of His Love and Faithfulness God's "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, chesed) and "faithfulness" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) to Israel are highlighted, underscoring His covenantal relationship with His people. These attributes are central to His character and actions. 5. Universal Call to Joyful Worship The psalm extends an invitation to all the earth to "shout for joy" (רוּעַ, rua') to the LORD. This universal call emphasizes the inclusivity of God's reign and the appropriate response of joyful worship from all creation. 6. Musical Instruments in Worship The use of musical instruments such as the harp, trumpets, and horn is encouraged to praise the LORD. This reflects the rich tradition of using music in worship to express the depth of devotion and celebration. 7. Creation's Response to the LORD Nature itself is called to join in the praise, with the sea, rivers, and mountains personified as rejoicing before the LORD. This imagery underscores the harmony of creation under God's sovereign rule. 8. The LORD's Righteous Judgment The psalm concludes with the anticipation of the LORD's coming to "judge the earth" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) with righteousness and equity. This reflects the hope for divine justice and the restoration of order according to God's perfect standards. Themes 1. Praise for God's Marvelous Works Psalm 98 begins with a call to sing a new song to the LORD for the marvelous things He has done: "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). The Hebrew word for "marvelous" (נִפְלָאוֹת, niphla'ot) emphasizes the extraordinary and miraculous nature of God's deeds. 2. Salvation and Righteousness Revealed The psalm highlights God's salvation and righteousness: "The LORD has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations" (Psalm 98:2). The Hebrew word for "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshu'ah) signifies deliverance and victory, while "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) refers to God's just and moral nature. 3. Faithfulness to Israel God's faithfulness and love toward Israel are celebrated: "He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God" (Psalm 98:3). The Hebrew term for "faithfulness" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) conveys steadfastness and reliability. 4. Universal Call to Joyful Worship The psalm extends a universal invitation to worship: "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into jubilant song with music" (Psalm 98:4). The call to "shout for joy" (רָנַן, ranan) is an exhortation for exuberant and vocal praise. 5. Use of Music in Worship Music is emphasized as a means of worship: "Make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing" (Psalm 98:5). The use of instruments like the harp (כִּנּוֹר, kinnor) underscores the importance of musical expression in praising God. 6. God as the Righteous Judge The psalm concludes with the anticipation of God's righteous judgment: "Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity" (Psalm 98:8-9). The Hebrew word for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) indicates God's role as a fair and just ruler. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions