Psalm 98: The Sound of Singing

Key Verse
4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
 
Meditation
Seeing something special stirs up a response that we are unable to contain. Consider the noise you make when you see a shooting star… “Whoah, did you see that!?” Or the sound made when you see a cute baby. Has anyone ever looked at a cute baby silently? That is impossible! Likewise, seeing the salvation of God stirs the heart to singing praises to our Savior.
 
Today’s psalm summons singing of praise from Israel (vv. 1-3), all nations (vv. 4-6), and all creation (vv.7-9). The “new song” is a song of victory, after seeing the Lord’s salvation (v. 1), righteousness (v. 2), and steadfast love (v. 3). The overflowing chorus extends out like ripples in water, from Israel to the nations and eventually all creation.
 
The Lord has come to deliver salvation, for the psalmist it was a particular historical situation and for us it is in the finished work of Jesus. Both the original audience and readers today share anticipation of the return of the Lord (v. 9), satisfying the groaning of all creation (Romans 8:18-25) as He provides salvation for peoples of every nation- to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
 
Christians who see God’s salvation in Jesus today, hoping in His return tomorrow, are called to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.” (Hebrews 13:15) Hearts changed by grace will overflow in praise.
 
Look upon the salvation of God. See and savor His grace to sing a new song. Make a joyful noise!
 
Today’s Reading
Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
    have worked salvation 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 steadfast love and faithfulness
    to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation of our God.
 
4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song 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
    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    the world and those who dwell in it!

8 Let the rivers clap their hands;
    let the hills sing for joy together
9 before the Lord, for he comes
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with equity.
 
Richly Dwelling
-When was the last time you encountered something that you could not contain your response about? When have you overflowed in praise from seeing the salvation of Jesus?
 
-What is the sound of your soul when you look upon the salvation provided by our Savior, Jesus Christ? Is there noise? Praise? If not, why?
 
-What is holding you back from making a joyful noise, shouting from salvation, joining all creation and every nation? Take time to rejoice now, either in song or prayer.
 
Key Verse
4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!