Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 98

A new song. Ps. 33:3; 96:1. Verses 1–3 state the reasons for praising Jehovah. The psalm begins on a sublime note of praise. Marvellous things. General blessings and particular benefits (see Ex. 15:11, 21; Ps. 77:14). Right hand. Ps. 44:3; cf. Ex. 15:6; Isa. 52:10; 59:16; 63:5.

Hath made known. By acts of deliverance (see Isa. 52:10). Openly. Literally, “before the eyes.” Heathen. Or, “nations” (see on Ps. 2:1). God’s acts were so public that all the nations around Israel could see His power (see Ps. 97:6).

His mercy and his truth. See Ps. 25:10; 26:3. Ends of the earth. See Isa. 52:10; cf. Ps. 98:2; Luke 2:10; 3:6; Rom. 10:12, 18.

Joyful noise. See Ps. 66:1; Ps. 95:1; 100:1. Verses 4–6 state the manner of praising Jehovah. All the earth. The psalm is distinguished by its universal appeal to all peoples. Sing praise. Heb. zamar, “make melody,” either with voice or instrument, or both. Spiritually endowed creatures should consciously show forth the praise of God—men have voices with which to sound His praise and are gifted with the ability to make instruments with which to praise Him.

Harp. On the musical instruments mentioned in vs. 5, 6 see pp. 30, 34, 39.

A joyful noise. There are no “muted violins” here; “all the stops of the organ are pulled out in full diapason.”

Sea roar. See Ps. 96:11. Verses 7–9 extend an invitation to all nature to join in the praise of Jehovah.

Floods clap. A personification perhaps suggested by the breaking waves on the shore. Hills be joyful. Compare Ps. 65:9–13 for an exquisite picture of nature in all her beauty praising God.

He cometh. See on Ps. 96:13. The redeemed and all the works of nature look forward with unspeakable anticipation to the time of the redemptive judgment.