Psalms 98:1
O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
Psalms 98:1
Psalm 98 is a jubilant psalm of salvation and victory, inviting all creation to sing God’s marvelous deeds. “O sing unto the LORD a new song” signals fresh grace—new mercies or a new phase of salvation (perhaps the return from exile or a renewed relationship with God). God’s marvelous things center on his steadfast love and saving acts, underscored by the imagery of his right hand and holy arm as instruments of victory. In ancient Near Eastern culture, victory songs celebrated divine intervention in battle and deliverance. The call to a “new song” acknowledges that God’s saving work is ongoing and worthy of imaginative expression, not treading the same old tunes. The verse also frames salvation as public—visible “in the sight of the heathen”—which is a theological claim that God’s actions declare his character to all nations, not just Israel.
Theological themes include salvation as a public, decisive act of God, and the celebration of God’s power manifested in history. The “new song” emphasizes renewal—God is doing something fresh and transformative. The right hand and holy arm imagery highlights divine strength paired with holiness, aligning power with righteousness. This verse anchors the idea that God’s acts of deliverance have mission implications: they reveal God to the nations and invite universal praise. It also contributes to the broader biblical arc where salvation history moves beyond national boundaries toward all peoples, foreshadowing the coming of Christ who embodies God’s saving victory for all humanity.
Today, let this invite us to celebrate God’s ongoing salvation in personal and communal life. When God answers prayer, compose a new song—whether through music, poetry, or thanks shared in small groups. Share testimonies of how God’s strength carried you through trials, making God’s saving work visible to friends who don’t yet know him. Recognize that God’s deliverance often comes through imperfect channels—relationships, suffering, or unexpected opportunities—and still merits celebration. Let the call to “make known his salvation” motivate evangelistic generosity: support missions, invite neighbors to experiences of worship, and live in such a way that others see the beauty of God’s redeeming work. Practice inclusion of the nations by extending hospitality, breaking down barriers, and showing the universality of God’s saving acts.
Cross-References: Exodus 15:1-2; Isaiah 12:5-6; Psalm 96:2; Romans 15:12; Revelation 15:3-4