READ: Ps. 98:1-9: Sing to the LORD a new song … wonders … salvation … righteousness … lovingkindness and faithfulness … Sing … shout joyfully … He will judge the world …
In this Psalm too, the salvation and deliverance of the LORD are presented on the one hand, and judgment on the other. Both give reason to sing praises to the LORD.
This is explained further, as the LORD accomplished salvation and deliverance by performing wonders in which His power was revealed. His victorious right hand and holy arm especially are mentioned. This refers first to the deliverance from Egypt and the Red Sea, and second to the deliverance from Babylon.
Concerning the first, we read in Ex. 15:6 in the song of Moses: “Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces.”
Concerning the second deliverance, we read (with a reference back to the first deliverance) in Isa. 63:1ff.: “I have trodden them in My anger, and trampled them in My fury … For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come … Therefore My own arm brought salvation for Me … Who led by the glorious arm of His strength at the right hand of Moses, Who divided the water before them to make for Himself an everlasting name, Who led them through the deep waters …”
In both miraculous deliverances, there is salvation for God’s chosen people on the basis of God’s covenant faithfulness and lovingkindness, as an act of pure grace. The whole world witnessed it.
Therefore, there is also reason for the whole world (!) to praise God with loud and festive singing, accompanied joyfully by musical instruments. Miriam understood this at the time after the deliverance from the Red Sea (Ex. 15:20,21), but now let all the nations do this! Yes, all of creation is now called upon to bring thanks and praise to the LORD before His presence. For ultimately God will come to judge the whole earth and to renew it (Rom. 8:19).
Are we ready for Christ’s second coming?
Sing: Ps. 98:2,4