Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 98

Sing a New Song to the LORDThis psalm calls us to praise God with a new and excellent song. The focus is on the amazing work God has done through Jesus Christ, which is something never seen before. When God gives us a new heart, He also gives us a new song to sing. This praise should be full of excitement and thankfulness, especially for God’s redeeming love and faithfulness.v. 1: The psalmist says, Oh sing to the Lord

v. 2: The psalmist continues, The Lord

v. 3: He explains, He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God . God kept His promises to Israel and showed them mercy, just as He said He would. Through Jesus, God blessed Israel first, but also made salvation visible to everyone, everywhere (Luke 1:72 ).

An Invitation to Praise.This part of the psalm shows that the coming of Christ’s kingdom is a reason for great joy and praise. Everyone is encouraged to celebrate and honor God for what He has done. The invitation is for all people, and even for all of creation, to join in joyful worship because of God’s wonderful works through Jesus.v. 4: The psalmist calls out, Make a joyful noise to the Lord

v. 5–6: He continues, Sing praises to the Lord

v. 7–8: The psalmist invites creation itself: Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together (Psalm 98:7–8 ). Even the sea, rivers, and hills are pictured as celebrating Christ’s rule. All creation is blessed by His coming and joins in the praise. This shows how big and wonderful God’s salvation is—even nature rejoices.

v. 9: He ends with hope, before the Lord