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    Psalms 98 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 98 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 98

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    Psalms 98 Summary

    Psalm 98 is a joyful hymn calling for a 'new song' to the Lord because He has done marvelous things. His right hand and holy arm have won victory, revealing His salvation to the nations.

    The psalm invites all of creation—rivers, mountains, and seas—to join in jubilant praise because the Lord is coming to judge the earth with righteousness and equity.

    Key Themes

    New songGod's salvation revealedCreation joins in praiseRighteous judgment coming

    Key Verses in Psalms 98

    "Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things."

    — Psalms 98:1

    A call for fresh, creative worship in response to God's ongoing mighty acts.

    "Let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness."

    — Psalms 98:9

    God's coming judgment is cause for joy, not fear, because it brings perfect justice.

    Life Application

    God is continually doing new things. Let your worship be fresh and responsive—don't just repeat old words when God is doing new work in your life.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the 'new song'?

    A fresh expression of praise in response to God's latest acts of salvation and faithfulness, not merely a repetition of past worship.

    Psalm 98 Commentary & Reflection

    Praise
    Celebratory, victorious

    Best read for: Celebrations, thanksgiving, advent

    Overview of Psalm 98: The Lord Has Done Marvelous Things

    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 Themes

    Victory
    Joy
    Creation Worship
    Righteous Judgment

    Key Verses to Remember

    “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)

    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 Psalm 98 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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