ScriptureDepth's study of Psalm 98
“Sing to Yahweh a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand, and his holy arm, have worked salvation for him.”
Psalms 98:1
The psalmist calls all people to sing a new song to Yahweh, celebrating his marvelous acts of salvation, which begins the invitation to worship in this chapter.
What Psalm 98 is about
Yahweh is called to be worshipped through a new song, as he has done marvelous things. His right hand and holy arm have accomplished salvation. He has revealed his salvation and righteousness openly, and his loving kindness to Israel is remembered, as all the ends of the earth have witnessed the salvation of God (vv. 1-3). A joyful noise is to be made to Yahweh by all the earth. The people are urged to burst out in song and praise. They are encouraged to use musical instruments like the harp and make melodies to celebrate Yahweh's greatness. Trumpets and ram’s horns are to sound before the King, Yahweh (vv. 4-6). Creation itself is called to respond with joy. The sea is to roar, and the rivers are to clap their hands. Mountains are invited to sing together before Yahweh, who comes to judge the earth in righteousness and equity (vv. 7-9).
Yahweh will come to judge the world with righteousness and equity for all peoples.
Psalm 98 at a glance
- Psalm 98:1–3Call to Worship and Celebration
- Psalm 98:4–6Joyful Noise and Praise
- Psalm 98:7–9Creation's Response to God's Justice
Key verse: Psalms 98:1
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Psalm 98 (WEB)
Call to Worship and Celebration Psalm 98:1–3
1Verse 1. Sing to Yahweh a new song,for he has done marvelous things!His right hand, and his holy arm, have worked salvation for him.2Verse 2. Yahweh has made known his salvation.He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations.3Verse 3. 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.
Joyful Noise and Praise Psalm 98:4–6
4Verse 4. Make a joyful noise to Yahweh, all the earth!Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!5Verse 5. Sing praises to Yahweh with the harp,with the harp and the voice of melody.6Verse 6. With trumpets and sound of the ram’s horn,make a joyful noise before the King, Yahweh.
Creation's Response to God's Justice Psalm 98:7–9
7Verse 7. Let the sea roar with its fullness;the world, and those who dwell therein.8Verse 8. Let the rivers clap their hands.Let the mountains sing for joy together.9Verse 9. Let them sing before Yahweh,for he comes to judge the earth.He will judge the world with righteousness,and the peoples with equity.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Psalm 98
Praise and Worship
Psalm 98 opens with a call to worship in v. 1, inviting people to 'Sing to Yahweh a new song.' The psalm progresses to exhortations for joyful expression, as seen in v. 4, where all the earth is urged to 'Make a joyful noise to Yahweh.' This theme continues through v. 5, where various instruments are called upon to join in praise, emphasizing the communal aspect of worship.
God's Salvation
In v. 2, the psalm declares that 'Yahweh has made known his salvation,' highlighting a central aspect of the text. This salvation is revealed openly to 'the nations,' indicating its universal significance. The mention of God’s faithfulness to Israel in v. 3 demonstrates that God's saving acts are rooted in His enduring commitment to His people.
Divine Justice
In verse 9, the psalm concludes with the declaration that 'He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.' This affirms God's role as a just ruler over all creation. The joyful response from creation in verses 7-8 situates God's justice within a broader context of cosmic celebration, connecting divine fairness with the joyful reactions of the natural world.
Universal Reign of God
In verse 9, Yahweh's judgment extends over the entire earth, indicating His sovereignty. Verse 3 states that 'All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God,' which highlights the global reach of His authority and influence. The joyful noise from creation in verses 7-8 signals that all elements of the earth acknowledge this reign.
Chapter outline
How Psalm 98 unfolds
Psalm 98:1–3 Call to Worship and Celebration
The psalmist calls for a new song to Yahweh for 'marvelous things' done through 'his right hand' and 'his holy arm' which have brought salvation, revealing 'his righteousness' to all nations (vv. 1-3).
Psalm 98:4–6 Joyful Noise and Praise
All the earth is summoned to 'make a joyful noise' and sing praises to Yahweh, using instruments like the harp and trumpets, creating a festive atmosphere before 'the King, Yahweh' (vv. 4-6).
Psalm 98:7–9 Creation's Response to God's Justice
Creation is called to celebrate as the sea, rivers, and mountains respond joyfully to Yahweh's coming judgment, declaring he will judge 'the world with righteousness' and 'the peoples with equity' (vv. 7-9).
Key verses
Psalms 98:1The psalmist calls all people to sing a new song to Yahweh, celebrating his marvelous acts of salvation, which begins the invitation to worship in this chapter.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Psalm 98
- observeWhat does the phrase 'new song' in v1 mean in the context of worship?
- observeIn v4, who is called to 'make a joyful noise'?
- interpretYahweh's 'right hand' in v1: how does this image connect to God's actions throughout scripture?
- interpretThe call for nature to respond in vv. 7-8: what does this suggest about God's relationship with creation?
- applyWhen have you felt compelled to 'sing praises' after experiencing a personal victory?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalm 98
- Psalm 96Psalm 98:1 and Psalm 96:1Both sing a new song: Psalm 98:1 says, 'Sing to Yahweh a new song', while Psalm 96:1 invites all the earth to sing.
- Psalm 100Psalm 98:4 and Psalm 100:1Both call for joyful noise: Psalm 98:4 says, 'Make a joyful noise to Yahweh', while Psalm 100:1 invites all lands to shout for joy.
- Isaiah 52Psalm 98:1 and Isaiah 52:10Both speak of salvation: Psalm 98:1 proclaims 'marvelous things', while Isaiah 52:10 declares, 'all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God'.
- Isaiah 49Psalm 98:2 and Isaiah 49:6Both proclaim salvation: Psalm 98:2 declares, 'Yahweh has made known his salvation', while Isaiah 49:6 mentions being a light to the nations.
- Psalm 47Psalm 98:4 and Psalm 47:1Both celebrate triumph: Psalm 98:4 invites joyful noise, while Psalm 47:1 calls nations to shout to God with triumph.
- Isaiah 62Psalm 98:1 and Isaiah 62:11Both proclaim salvation: Psalm 98:1 states, 'he has done marvelous things', while Isaiah 62:11 announces, 'your salvation comes'.
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