Nations and Nature Sing – Psalm 98

Psalm 98 is 6th in a matching set of 8 psalms which magnify the universal lordship of Yahweh. Psalm 98 in particular is meant to inspire a crescendo of praise from all possible corners of creation, striving for an expression of worship worthy of the sovereign over all things from salvation to final judgement. This song is often noted for its incarnation themes and is the foundational inspiration for the Isaac Watts hymn: “Joy to the World”. Mary herself parallels many of its themes in her own new song of worship upon considering the significance of her bearing the Messiah and His victory imminent in history (Luke 1:46-55). Furthermore, Mary's was not the only song which greeted the Messiah upon the earth. Angels themselves sang a new song the night of His birth (Luke 2:8-14). Thus these songs are compiled in scripture multiplying the praiseworthy glories of Jesus Christ across the scope of His works in history unto His second coming anticipated in the refrain of our Psalm today. Imagine a medieval herald crying “Hear ye! Hear ye!”... the message is proclaimed throughout the realm, yet only a percentage of the people may heed the word that follows. This is the tone and spirit of Psalm 98. Those who heed the word will join in the triumphal chorus upon the return of the great King, those who do not will prove the conquered foes whose defeat is commemorated by the victory anthem itself. In this way the universal sovereignty of Yahweh is evident in the salvation of His people and the judgement of His enemies. Psalm 98 has the electric air of a coronation ceremony to honor the office, anointing, and authority of the great sovereign. Let us strive to reclaim this sense of significance and reverence which is often lost on a cultural era rife with radical notions of autonomy. Let us make a joyful noise at every opportunity before the King, the LORD!