Psalms 98 - Printer Friendly

Psalms 15, 24, 27, 93, 95—97, and 99 are "enthronement" psalms. Psalm 98 is also in this category of songs rejoicing over God's rule over the world. Many look ahead to the future when the Lord will reign directly over the earth in person (Revelation 20:4). This song may refer to a particular event, such as a victory in battle. Another possibility is that it celebrates the return of Jewish people from Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:1).

The psalmist credits God with accomplishing salvation, in a way which the entire world can witness. This is done by God's power alone. The "right hand" is a common ancient reference to someone's primary power. In this case, the Lord uses His might to bring about His desired results. This demonstrates His loyal love for the people of Israel (Psalm 98:1–3).

In response to these amazing acts, the entire world is called to worship. That includes all forms of instruments. The psalmist uses the common phrase "joyful noise" to refer to loud, enthusiastic praise. The intense motivation behind this is shown in using the phrase "break forth;" the desire to honor God ought to overflow and burst out of a thankful heart (Psalm 98:4–6).

As humanity praises, the natural world echoes that worship. People should be glad to know that the Lord reigns, as is all His creation. Part of this symbolic natural noise is awareness that God is coming to earth for judgment. This looks ahead to the end times: when the Lord will bring perfect and inescapable justice to the world. When that happens, all people will be blessed by the rule of a God who does all things rightly (Psalm 98:7–9).

Psalm 98:1–3 praises God for His miracles. The psalm notes that God's own work—and only His work—has accomplished salvation. The result of these actions is that the entire world can see His goodness and justice. The psalmist may have been inspired by a specific victory over an enemy of Israel, or the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon (Ezra 2:1).

God has proven His glory through amazing miracles. He has accomplished salvation by His own power, honoring His loyal love for the nation of Israel. Every nation, including the Gentiles, can see what the Lord has done. All people should respond to this with praise and worship, using every type of instrument. Nature itself will echo praises of God. These celebrations look forward to God returning to earth, bringing justice and righteous judgment.

This psalm may have been inspired by a specific victory over one of Israel's enemies. Another possibility is celebrating the return of exiled Jewish people (Ezra 2:1). It is one of the "enthronement" psalms (Psalm 24; 27; 93; 95—99) which honor God as the ultimate ruler over the entire world. As with similar psalms, this song anticipates the Lord coming to earth in righteous judgment.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.