Psalm 98
A Joyous Response of the Redeemed
Psalm 98 is a prophetic psalm declaring the righteous victory of the coming Messiah. It is given the simple title, A Psalm. The Psalms were originally an exclusive resource for worship for God’s chosen people of the nation of Israel. Much like the way that movies are categorized today by the genres drama, action, romance, musical, comedy, horror, etc., the psalms can also be categorized into genres. Some of the genres or kinds of psalms are praise, wisdom, royal, thanksgiving, and lament. I would classify Psalm 98 as a hybrid genre, royal-praise. I would liken it to the hybrid movie genre musical-comedy. It is a royal psalm, because it proclaims the coming of the victorious King. Psalm 98 is a praise psalm because of its prescribed response of praise found in verses 4–6. The hybrid nature of the psalm can be seen in verse six “With trumpets and the sound of the horn, shout joyfully before the King, the Lord.”
Psalm 98 can be divided into two sections or themes, much like the hymns are divided into verse and chorus in today’s hymn books. In verses 1–3 we see the declaration of the victory and glory of the Redeemer, while in verses 4–9 we see a call for the joyous response of the redeemed. Verses 4–9 can also be subdivided, with 4–6 focusing on the manner by which the redeemed are prescribed to respond, and verses 7–9 expounding on the vast extent of the coming King’s rule and influence.
Victory and Glory of the Redeemer
In verses 1–3, we see the fulfillment of the promise of the coming Messiah. Verse one begins with “Oh sing to the Lord a new song”. This is a preview of the prescribed praise to come later in the psalm after the psalmist tells what the Lord has done. It is then declared that the Lord has gained the victory over the oppressor. He has come to proclaim His righteousness and salvation to the nations, and He comes to redeem His chosen people, the nation of Israel, by extending grace and showing His lovingkindness and faithfulness.
Joyous Response of the Redeemed
As mentioned before, Psalm 98 begins with the assertion that a new song is warranted. Why a new song? Psalm 96 just called for a new song as well. In Psalm 40:3, the psalmist David testifies of his rescue and delivery by the Lord from the miry clay to the solid rock foundation. After this salvation, God put a new song in his mouth, a hymn of praise to God, that many would see, fear, and trust in the Lord. A new song is required when the Lord does something new. He provides and we respond joyfully with a new song to testify of what the Lord has done. I love it that God even puts the song in our mouth! He does it all! That brings fresh meaning to Romans 11:36, “For from him and through him and to him are all things, to him be the glory forever.”
We read in verses 4–6 the prescribed praise for the holiness and provision of our promised Messiah. God has done something new, and His righteousness demands our singing, shouting, and praising with instruments, all for the glory of the King and the Lord of our salvation. Verses 7–9 tell us the vast extent of the Lord’s influence. The creation celebrates His coming! He comes to judge the world according to His righteousness! This is a reminder of His royal status as Lord and King over all.
Though the Psalms were at one time part of an exclusive Jewish song book, they are now a rich part of the Christian worship experience. Psalm 98 can be used in several different ways in our worship services. It is an excellent verbal call to worship, and can be read just before an opening song of praise. Psalm 98 can also be sung. Many artist worshipers have been inspired to add original music to Psalm 98. Contemporary worship artists, Shane and Shane, have put many Psalms to original music including Psalm 98. Let me encourage worshipers reading this blog to “sing a new song to the Lord.” Ask the Lord to put a new song in your mouth, and give Him glory with it today!
