Introduction
Psalm 98 is a joyful song of praise celebrating God’s victory and the righteousness of His rule. This psalm invites all creation to join in worship, acknowledging God’s faithfulness, power, and justice. It looks forward to a future time when God’s judgment will be made manifest, and His reign will be fully established over all the earth. This psalm is often considered a royal psalm, highlighting the universal sovereignty of God.
Background of Psalm 98
Psalm 98 is categorized as a psalm of praise, and its content can be seen as a response to God’s mighty acts, particularly His victory over enemies and His deliverance of Israel. The psalm reflects a sense of gratitude for God’s salvation, urging the earth and all living things to rejoice in His justice and faithfulness. It is part of the final group of psalms (Psalms 93–100), which focus on God’s reign and the coming of His kingdom.

What Does Psalm 98 Mean?
Psalm 98 can be divided into two main sections: the call to praise God for His victory and righteousness (verses 1–3) and the invitation for all creation to join in worship (verses 4–9). The psalm celebrates God’s righteous judgment, His saving acts in history, and His eternal reign. It encourages both believers and the whole world to recognize God’s greatness and to respond with joy and worship.
- Verses 1–3: These verses recount God’s salvation and righteous acts, specifically focusing on His victory over His enemies. The psalmist calls for a new song to be sung to the Lord in response to His mighty deeds.
- Verses 4–9: The psalmist invites the earth, seas, rivers, and mountains to join in the worship of God. It emphasizes the joy that accompanies God’s reign and the certainty of His future judgment.
Verse Mapping Psalm 98:1
“Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has performed wonders; His right hand and holy arm have won Him victory.” (CSB)
- Word Study
- Sing a new song – This phrase is an invitation to worship God with fresh gratitude and praise. The “new song” symbolizes a response to God’s new acts of salvation and His ongoing work in the lives of His people. It signifies joy and a renewed commitment to praising God.
- Performed wonders – This refers to God’s miraculous acts, often in the context of His deliverance of Israel from their enemies. These wonders are signs of His power and faithfulness.
- Right hand and holy arm – These terms symbolize God’s power and strength, often associated with His ability to deliver and save His people. The “right hand” is a biblical symbol of authority and might.
- Won Him victory – This highlights the ultimate success and triumph of God over His enemies, demonstrating His sovereign rule.
- Cross-References
- Exodus 15:6 – “Your right hand, Lord, is glorious in power. Your right hand, Lord, shatters the enemy.”
- Isaiah 12:5 – “Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known throughout the earth.”
- Revelation 15:3 – “They sang the song of God’s servant Moses and the song of the Lamb: ‘Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations.'”
- Paraphrase “Sing a fresh song of praise to the Lord, for He has performed mighty wonders. His strength and holy arm have brought Him victory.”
- Application This verse calls us to praise God with a new song, reflecting on the fresh ways He is at work in our lives. Just as God has performed mighty acts of salvation in history, He continues to work wonders in our lives today. We are encouraged to offer God our heartfelt worship and to recognize His ongoing work in our hearts and the world.
How Can We Apply Psalm 98 Today?
- Praise God for His Salvation Psalm 98 invites us to sing a new song to God in response to His wondrous works. We are encouraged to remember His acts of salvation, both in the past and in our personal lives. Whether through His deliverance of Israel or through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God’s salvation is a cause for continual praise. Reflect on how God has worked in your life and give Him glory for His saving acts.
- Rejoice in God’s Righteous Judgment The psalm celebrates God’s righteous judgment, and as believers, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God will set all things right. In a world filled with injustice and suffering, we can look forward to the day when God will bring about true justice. This truth should give us hope and inspire us to trust in God’s timing and His ultimate victory.
- Encourage Others to Join in Worship The psalmist calls all of creation to rejoice in God’s reign. As believers, we have the privilege of inviting others to join in worshiping God. Share the goodness of God’s salvation with others and invite them to experience the joy of His presence.
- Celebrate the Universality of God’s Rule The psalm reminds us that God’s reign extends to all creation. From the seas to the mountains, everything is called to praise God. This reflects the universal scope of His sovereignty. As we recognize God’s authority over all things, we can approach every area of our lives with the awareness that He is King over everything.
- Live in Anticipation of Christ’s Return Psalm 98 points forward to the future judgment of the earth. As Christians, we can live with the hope of Christ’s return, when He will establish His kingdom and bring about ultimate justice. This hope should shape how we live, how we treat others, and how we view the world around us.
Reflection Questions
- What “wonders” has God performed in your life that inspire you to sing a new song of praise?
- How can you share the joy of God’s salvation with others, encouraging them to worship with you?
- How does the anticipation of God’s righteous judgment shape your view of current events and challenges in the world?
- What are some practical ways you can celebrate and acknowledge God’s universal reign in your daily life?
A Closing Prayer
Lord, we sing a new song of praise to You for Your mighty works and Your incredible salvation. You have shown us Your power and righteousness through all generations, and we rejoice in Your victory. Help us to live with the hope of Your return and to invite others to join in worshiping You. May Your reign over all creation fill us with joy and inspire us to live in the light of Your justice and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thoughts
Psalm 98 calls us to praise God for His mighty acts of salvation and His righteousness. It invites all of creation to join in the celebration of His reign, which is marked by justice and faithfulness. As we reflect on God’s past works and anticipate His future judgment, we are filled with joy and hope, knowing that He will make all things right.