Psalm 98

The Word Made Fresh

(A psalm.)

1Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done wonderful things.
God’s right hand and sacred arm have been victorious.
2The LORD’s victories have been made known,
and the LORD is proven in the eyes of all the nations.
3God has remembered the faith and love given to the house of Israel.
God’s victory is known throughout the world.
4So, all the nations should raise a joyful celebration to the LORD
and sing joyfully the praises we should render to our God.
5Sing praise to the LORD with the lyre and with beautiful melodies.
6Blow the trumpets and the horns joyfully before the LORD our King.
7Let the sea roar, and all the creatures in it,
along with all who live in the world; let them join in!
8Let the floods applaud,
and the hills sing together joyfully
9in the LORD’s presence. For the LORD is coming to judge the world
with righteousness, and to judge the people with fairness.

Commentary

1-3: This is clearly a victory song, probably given on the occasion of some military success. We note that the success is credited to God, not to any human ruler.

4-6: The psalmist calls the people to a celebration complete with the priestly orchestra.

7-9: As we have seen in other psalms the sea, the floods and the mountains are all invited to join in the celebration. The victory they are celebrating is seen as a sign of God’s sovereignty over all creation.

Takeaway

When things are going well for you, praise the LORD and give thanks. When things are not going well for you, praise the LORD and give thanks. The psalms often “accuse” God of allowing enemies to succeed, but always with the faith that God will ultimately restore them to peace and prosperity. Trust in God, because God really is in charge.