Psalm 98

Psalm 98 is a hymn of praise and celebration found in the Book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It is attributed to no specific author and is categorized as a hymn of thanksgiving, specifically related to God's saving acts and his universal reign. It is closely related to Psalm 96, sharing similar themes and phrasing.

Content and Themes:

The psalm calls upon the entire world to sing a "new song" to the Lord, acknowledging his miraculous deeds and the revelation of his righteousness to all nations. It emphasizes the following key themes:

• God's Saving Work: The psalm celebrates God's victory and the deliverance he has brought, often understood as a reference to salvation or divine intervention. The phrase "he has done marvelous things" highlights the extraordinary nature of God's actions.

• Universal Salvation: The psalm proclaims that God's righteousness and salvation have been revealed to all nations, not just to Israel. This speaks to the universality of God's love and his desire for all people to know him. The psalm calls on all lands to rejoice in this revelation.

• Justice and Righteousness: God's righteousness is central to the psalm. It emphasizes that God's judgment is just and that he establishes righteousness among the nations.

• Praise and Worship: The psalm repeatedly calls for joyful praise and worship. It describes various instruments and voices joining together in a harmonious chorus to celebrate God's majesty. The imagery includes trumpets, horns, loud shouts, and the roaring of the sea.

• God's Reign: Psalm 98 affirms God's universal kingship. The psalm encourages the world to rejoice because God reigns and will judge the earth with righteousness.

Structure:

The psalm can be broadly divided into the following sections:

• Verse 1: Introduction and call to sing a new song.
• Verses 2-3: Proclamation of God's saving deeds and righteousness revealed to the nations.
• Verses 4-6: Call to joyful praise using various musical instruments.
• Verses 7-9: Personification of nature joining in the praise, anticipating God's righteous judgment.

Significance:

Psalm 98 is used in both Jewish and Christian liturgical traditions. In Jewish tradition, it is recited during specific festivals and on the Sabbath. In Christian tradition, it is often used during Advent and Christmas, reflecting the themes of salvation and the coming of Christ. The psalm's emphasis on universal salvation and God's righteous reign makes it a powerful statement of hope and a call to all people to worship the Lord. Its exuberant tone encourages joyful celebration and gratitude for God's blessings.