Psalm 98: The Lord Has Done Marvelous Things
Best for: Celebrations, thanksgiving, advent
Psalm 98 ("The Lord Has Done Marvelous Things") is a praise psalm best read for celebrations, thanksgiving, advent. Psalm 98 celebrates God's salvation revealed to all nations. His right hand and holy arm have gained the victory. All the earth is commanded to make a joyful noise — with harps, trumpets, and cornets.
Overview
Psalm 98 celebrates God's salvation revealed to all nations. His right hand and holy arm have gained the victory. All the earth is commanded to make a joyful noise — with harps, trumpets, and cornets.
The seas roar, the rivers clap their hands, and the hills sing together because the Lord comes to judge the earth with righteousness and the peoples with equity.
Key Verses
"O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."— Psalm 98:1 (KJV)
"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."— Psalm 98:4 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
Rivers clapping, hills singing — this psalm imagines all of creation erupting in applause for God's justice. When God sets things right, the whole earth celebrates. Join the chorus.
Historical Context
Another 'new song' psalm celebrating God's salvation revealed 'in the sight of the nations.' Isaac Watts paraphrased this psalm into the beloved Christmas hymn 'Joy to the World,' extending its celebration of God's coming to judge the earth into the Christian celebration of the Incarnation.
How to Apply This Today
Let this psalm expand your concept of praise beyond human voices. Rivers clapping, hills singing, seas roaring—creation worships with its whole being. Go outside and let nature teach you worship. The sunrise, the wind, the seasons are all singing this psalm without ceasing.
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 98
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth. Amen.
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Read devotionalFrequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 98 about?
Psalm 98 celebrates God's salvation revealed to all nations. His right hand and holy arm have gained the victory. All the earth is commanded to make a joyful noise — with harps, trumpets, and cornets. The seas roar, the rivers clap their hands, and the hills sing together because the Lord comes to judge the earth with righteousness and the peoples with equity.
What does Psalm 98 teach us?
Rivers clapping, hills singing — this psalm imagines all of creation erupting in applause for God's justice. When God sets things right, the whole earth celebrates. Join the chorus.
What are the key themes of Psalm 98?
The key themes of Psalm 98 include: Victory, Joy, Creation Worship, Righteous Judgment.
When should I read Psalm 98?
Psalm 98 is especially meaningful for: Celebrations, thanksgiving, advent. The overall mood is celebratory, victorious.
How can I apply Psalm 98 to my life?
Let this psalm expand your concept of praise beyond human voices. Rivers clapping, hills singing, seas roaring—creation worships with its whole being. Go outside and let nature teach you worship. The sunrise, the wind, the seasons are all singing this psalm without ceasing.
Continue Studying Themes from Psalm 98
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
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Isaac Watts • 1719
Holy, Holy, Holy
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