At first glance, this psalm seems to be a repeat of Psalm 96 – after all, both begin with a call to sing a new song of praise to the Lord, and both conclude with a summons to the forces of nature to praise God because “He is coming to judge the earth” (96:13; 98:9).

But the two psalms are aimed at two different audiences. For while Psalm 96 is addressed to all the nations of the world (96:2), Psalm 98 is specifically directed to the house of Israel. Today’s passage thus meditates on the particular reasons that God’s people have to praise Him.

And they are many, aren’t they? Verse three reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises – promises He made to Abraham and, because Jesus is the Son of Abraham, to all who are joined to Christ by faith (Galatians 3:6-9, 16). And in Christ we not only become the people of God. Because of His perfect sacrifice on our behalf, believers from the ends of the earth have received salvation from our sins (verse 3). And by His resurrection from the grave, we can experience His victory over sin and death (verse 1), not only in the life to come, but here and now.

So, why should the sea and the rivers and the mountains be the only ones who proclaim God’s power and glory? No matter what’s going on in our lives today, why shouldn’t we praise the Lord with our voices, along with all kinds of musical instruments (verses 4-6)? Christ has promised that He is coming to set all things right and make all things new (verse 9). So, why shouldn’t we shout joyfully before our Lord and King?

Psalm 98 (NASB)

A Psalm.
O Sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.
2 The LORD has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
4 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises.
5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre; With the lyre and the sound of melody.
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn Shout joyfully before the King, the LORD.
7 Let the sea roar and all it contains, The world and those who dwell in it.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the mountains sing together for joy
9 Before the LORD; for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with equity.