Psalm 98:4-9 | The Way of Scripture

Psalm 98:4-9

Why do instruments and the natural world join the welcome for the King?

Berean Standard Bible

4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises! 5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. 6 With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King. 7 Let the sea resound, and all that fills it, the world, and all who dwell in it. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy 9 before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.

What is the context?

The whole earth is called to joyful noise, song, strings, and trumpets before the Lord as King. Praise is openly shared.

The sea, inhabitants, rivers, and mountains extend the scene into creation. They rejoice before the One coming to judge.

The ending specifies righteousness and equity. The noise celebrates a just rule rather than making volume or an instrument the measure of faithful worship.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley retains the worldwide celebration around God’s coming judgment. The poetic hands of rivers and singing of mountains should remain images, rather than claims about literal human anatomy in the landscape.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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