PSALM 98 - A NEW SONG

 

PSALM 98

A NEW SONG

Psalm 98 continues the theme of the kingship of God.

The psalm divides into three parts: 

(1) praise to the Lord because of mighty deeds in the past (verses 1-3);

(2) praise to the Lord the ruling King in the present 

(verses 4-6);

(3) a call to nature also to praise the Lord who will come in the future to set things right in the world 

(verses 7-9).

A New Song - God’s Marvelous Deeds

98:1-3

The heading “A Psalm” designates this as a musical piece suitable for use in worship. The psalm itself calls for instrumental accompaniment, with both stringed (verse 5) and brass instruments (verse 6).

The call for a new song seems to relate to a specific event or events not named. It is likely composed in response to a great victory given to Israel by God. The new song should be sung about the marvelous things God has done generally and, specifically, relating to saving his people. 

Originally, his people were the Israelites. 

There were many times God saved Israel from impossible circumstances by doing great things. For example, he rescued Israel from Egypt through the miraculous plagues. Many times he gave them victory over enemies who had superior military capability. He also delivered the Jews from their captivity in Babylon and restored them to their homeland. These were seen by other nations outside of Israel. (3) In other words, he revealed his kingship to the world through his marvelous deeds. 

God acted out of his covenant love for his people, his “steadfast love and faithfulness”. (3) In response, his people should exalt him as their savior. 

Believers can now apply this to themselves as they are a chosen race, a holy nation, and a people for his own possession. (2 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 1:4-6) )

Now, in our time, the church sings a new song to praise the Lord Jesus for the ultimate salvation, redeeming us from our sins. 

Revelation 5 has a picture of this happening in heaven. Those in heaven sing a new song praising the lord for ransoming people for God from all over the earth and making them a kingdom and priests to God the Father.

We can also write new songs for worship that commemorate the victories God has given us. “There must be new songs on new occasions of triumph.” (Spurgeon)

A New Song With Voices & Instruments

98:4-6

The psalmist tells all the world to join in the joyous new song, making a joyful noise with their voices and their instruments. He names stringed instruments, trumpets, and horns. These praises are made to the Lord as King. 

Nature called to praise the Lord who will come in to judge 

98: 7-9

In addition to people, nature is called to praise the Lord. The sea and its creatures, the land (world) and it inhabitants, the rivers and the hills are all to sing and clap with joy. The reason for this is that the Lord comes to judge the earth. 

Just as the Old Testament kings had authority to judge, the King of Creation has the authority to judge. He will do so with righteousness and equity. 

Parallels To Consider

There are parallels between the first part of Psalm 98 and the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), the song sung by Mary after the angel told her she would be the mother of the Savior. This may mean that Mary had this psalm in mind as she sang her song. She also understood that the psalm was to be fulfilled in the spiritual victories to be achieved by Jesus Christ.

The psalm starts with “sing to the LORD a new song” and Mary began with “My soul magnifies the Lord”. The psalm says “he has done marvelous things”. Mary song “He who is mighty has done great things for me”. The psalm says God remembers his steadfast love. Mary sang He has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy. (Luke 1:51,54)

Isaac Watts wrote the hymn “Joy To The World” reflecting on this psalm. Although it is usually sung at Christmas, it is actually about the Second Coming of Christ. It emphasizes the reign of Christ over creation: “let earth receive her king”; “the Savior reigns”; “he rules the world in truth and grace”. 

Watts also wrote of nature rejoicing: “let heaven and nature sing” and “fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy.”

Takeaways

Since the psalm does not limit our thinking to one instance of God’s salvation of his people, we are free to think of the many great things he has done for us. Greatest of these is his deliverance of his people from the penalty of our sins purely as a matter of his grace. 

PSALM 97 - THE LORD REIGNS!

 

PSALM 97

“The Lord Reigns”

Introduction

This is an “enthronement psalm” declaring the reign of God. 

The theme of the psalm is: The Lord reigns in righteousness and glory, calling all to worship, reject idols, and walk in joy and holiness. 

The Majesty of the Reigning Lord 

97:1–6

We live in a world where kings and kingdoms rise and fall, where uncertainty often rules the headlines. As the Bill Gaither song says: “Kings and kingdoms will all pass away…”.

But Psalm 97 begins with a thundering declaration that silences all doubts: “The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice!” (1) God reigns over all of creation. His reign is declared in Psalms 93, 96, 97, and 99, along with 1 Chronicles 16, the Song of David. 

As Trinitarians, we also apply this truth to the Lord Jesus. Abraham Kuyper, a Dutch theologian, said: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” 

Jesus told his apostles: “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”. (Matthew 28:18) The apostle Paul referred to the kingdom of the Father’s beloved Son, for whom all things were created. (Colossians 1:13, 17) He also said Christ must reign until all his enemies are put under his feet. (1 Corinthians 15:25)

The reign of God over creation should be a source of rejoicing for us. This is especially true for believers. But the call is for all of the earth to rejoice in God’s reign. The word“coastlands” refers to areas inhabited by the Gentiles. And the time will come when all recognize the reign of God. At the name of Jesus, ever knee will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11) 

We have previously studied the doctrine of God’s sovereignty. But, this verse 1 also leads us to consider the doctrine of providence. Theologians define the doctrine of providence as God’s continuous involvement with all created things, in such a way that He preserves, governs, and directs everything toward His intended purposes. Providence affirms that God is not distant from the world but actively and sovereignly involved in every detail of life.

Providence reminds us that we are creatures of God, whose lives are not random and meaningless, and that history is God himself working out his sovereign purposes for his own glory and the good of his people.

God reigns in majesty.  “Clouds and thick darkness are all around him”. (v. 2) At least 11 times the Bible shows the appearance of the Lord accompanied by clouds, thunder, and lightening. It shows his majesty and power. Here are some of the verses: (1) “There were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain… and Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire.” (Exodus 19:16); (2) “A stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it and fire flashing forth continually…”. A dramatic vision of God’s throne with storm, fire, and glory. (Ezekiel 1:4); (3) During the Transfiguration of Jesus, “A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son…”; the cloud indicates God’s presence and affirms Jesus’ divine identity. (Matthew 17:5); and (4) “From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder…”. These dramatic scenes show God’s glory and judgment being poured out from heaven. (Revelation 4:5)

God’s rule is righteous and just. Unlike earthly kings who govern with corruption or favoritism, God’s throne is built on righteousness and justice (v. 2). Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” And the heavens proclaim his righteousness. (6) 

God’s power is also reflected in saying the earth trembles, mountains melt, and the heavens declare His glory (vv. 4–6). When the Lord appears, no one can resist him. All of creation acknowledges the One who made it.

This will certainly be truth of Christ’s second coming. The apostle John wrote: “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him”. (Revelation 1:7) 

The Shame of False Worship

 97:7–9

As the heavens proclaim God’s righteousness and all the peoples see his (Yahweh’s) glory, “All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!” (v. 7) In contrast to the all powerful, reigning God, there are idols made by men. They do nothing and, so, are worthless. Those who worship them are put to shame. Christ, at his coming, will humiliate all false gods. 

Those who worship unseen idols are the same. Idolatry is foolish. False gods—whether statues, money, fame, or self—cannot stand before the true King. Imagine standing before God at the final judgment trying to justify your worship of a piece of wood, or the pursuit of status, wealth, and success. For God’s supremacy is unmatched. Verse 9 proclaims: “For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” The call, then, is for all who worship idols to repent and turn to God. 

God’s people, represented by Zion and Judah, rejoice in the judgments of God and recognize him as being above all idols. (8-9) God’s people exalt God. 

The Joy of the Righteous 

97:10–12

The closing verses turn to those who love the Lord and seek to live righteously

• God protects His people. “He preserves the lives of his saints” (v. 10).
• Joy is our inheritance. Even in a world of darkness, light is sown like seed for those who walk with God (v. 11).
• The call to holiness is clear. “O you who love the LORD, hate evil!” (v. 10)

Takeaways

1. Psalm 97 is a royal psalm—a celebration of God’s reign. It calls us to see the grandeur of our King, reject all rival gods, and live with joy and holiness as His people.
2. Worship Him with reverence. He is not a small god. He is the God of fire, thunder, and glory.
3. Reject all idols, whether internal or external, nothing else deserves your heart.
4. Live with joy and holiness. As citizens of the king, our lives should reflect his righteousness.
5. Be thankful. (12)
6. Live like people who know who’s really on the throne.

 “It is not a matter of time so much as a matter of heart;

if you have the heart to pray, you will find the time.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Devotional Thoughts - Galatians 1:3-5

 Three truths emerge from Paul's greeting to the Galatian churches:

1. Jesus gave himself for our sins;

2. Jesus rescued us from this present evil age; and

3. He did this according to the will of the Father.

"Gave himself" refers to Jesus dying for our sins, to pay the penalty for them. He did it intentionally and willingly. Jesus said "no one takes it (his life) from me, but I lay it down on my own." (John 10:18)

"To rescue us" means before we came to Christ, we were in the world, participants in "this present evil age". It is evil because it rejects God. Romans 1:18-32 describes this in detail. But, once we come to Christ in faith, we are transferred from this evil, dark kingdom, into God's Kingdom. (Colossians 1:13) Thus, we rescues us from this present evil age.

"According to the will of God" means the sacrifice of Jesus and its benefits to us were all according to the will and plan of God the Father. Ephesians 1:4-5 tells us that this was his plan even before the creation of the world. And, Jesus said "my food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work". (John 4:34) 

"To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." 

Declare His Glory Among the Nations - Psalm 96

Introduction

Psalms 93-100 affirm and celebrate God’s (Yahweh’s) rule over the earth.  

This Psalm is taken from the song of David he wrote when he brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.  1 Chronicles 16. It was probably used thereafter in corporate worship.

Worship the Lord with a New Song

 96:1–3

The psalmist called for an outburst of praise to God. He wanted praise to be sung to the Lord by all of the earth, not just the Israelites. So, there is an invitation to the Gentiles here to join in the worship of Yahweh instead of their pagan idols. 

To bless God’s name is to praise him. The New International Version uses the word “praise” instead of “bless”. We cannot bless God as he blesses us. We cannot add anything to him; he is self sufficient. This is the doctrine of “aseity”. 

But, we praise him and acknowledge his greatness. 

The psalmist also instructs us to tell\declare of his salvation and his glory to the Gentiles. (3) The words “nations” and “peoples” refer to the Gentiles, those outside of covenant between God and Israel. God wants us to do this daily (day to day). (2) 

Praise and declaration are both part of worship. 

God desires, and has always desired, worship from all of the earth. We see that in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commanded the disciples to make disciples of all nations. 

The Reason For Worship: God’s Greatness 

96:4–6

The reason we should worship God is that he is great. And he is the greatest. He is not like the manmade idols. He made the heavens. He is the creator. 

Additionally, God has splendor and majesty, beauty and strength. “Splendor” means a magnificent appearance that invites admiration. The word originally referred to brilliance and glory. These again are reference to kingship. 

Give to the Lord the Glory Due His Name 

96: 7–9

One way we praise God is to acknowledge his attributes. The psalmist tells us to ascribe, or attribute, to God glory and strength. These verses are the same as Psalm 29:1-2. We acknowledge that God has glory and strength. It is important: the psalmist says ascribe three times. 

His glory radiates from him as a result of his holiness. It brings us to worship. We see some examples in the Bible. Those who came into contact with angels, who reflected God’s glory, caused people to fall on their faces. Those who experienced Jesus’ divinity fell on their faces, such as Peter when Jesus calmed the sea.  

We also worship God with offerings. We do not come empty handed. 

And, finally, we worship with reverence. The psalmist calls us to tremble before God. It is a recognition of his great power and exalted nature. 

Proclaim the Lord's Reign and Coming Judgment

 96:10–13

We worship God by acknowledging that he reigns over the world. He created it, he owns it, and he reigns over it. And part of reigning is judging. He will judge all people. All must come before him. 

That judgment is a cause for rejoicing in us, because God will vindicate us for our faith. (2 Thessalonians 1:5-6)

 Even creation will rejoice in the Lord coming to judge. Paul wrote that the earth groans until its redemption at the coming of the Lord. (Romans 8:22) So we live with the end in view. We, as believers, will get to see our vindication and the consummation of God’s kingdom manifested. 

Takeaways

We are called to worship in singing, proclaiming, reverencing, giving, and anticipating. 

We should do this daily, not just on Sunday.

And we should live with the return of Christ continually in mind. 

 It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning, to create or make of nothing the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.

Westminster Confession

Article 4, Section 1

 In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, to create or make the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.

-London Baptist Confession 1689, Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 4. 

GOD CREATED THE UNIVERSE

 Here is a list of all of the verses in the Bible that say God created the universe.

VERSES ATTRIBUTING CREATION TO GOD

Old Testament

1. Genesis 1:1 –
   “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
2. Genesis 2:4 –
   “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.”
3. Exodus 20:11 –
   “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.”
4. Nehemiah 9:6 –
   “You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it…”
5. Job 38:4 –
   “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.”
6. Psalm 8:3 –
   “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…”
7. Psalm 24:1–2 –
   “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it… for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.”
8. Psalm 33:6, 9 –
   “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made… For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.”
9. Psalm 89:11 –
   “The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.”
10. Psalm 95:5 –
    “The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.”
11. Psalm 102:25 –
    “In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.”
12. Proverbs 3:19 –
    “By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place…”
13. Isaiah 40:28 –
    “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.”
14. Isaiah 42:5 –
    “This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it…”
15. Isaiah 45:12 –
    “It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens…”
16. Isaiah 45:18 –
    “For this is what the Lord says—he who created the heavens, he is God… he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it…”
17. Jeremiah 10:12 –
    “But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.”
18. Jeremiah 32:17 –
    “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.”
19. Amos 4:13 –
    “He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to mankind… the Lord God Almighty is his name.”

New Testament

20. John 1:1–3 –
    “In the beginning was the Word… Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
21. Acts 14:15 –
    “We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn… to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.”
22. Acts 17:24 –
    “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth…”
23. Romans 1:20 –
    “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities… have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…”
24. Colossians 1:16 –
    “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…”
25. Hebrews 1:10 –
    “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.”
26. Hebrews 11:3 –
    “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command…”
27. Revelation 4:11 –
    “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things…”
28. Revelation 10:6 –
    “…who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it…”

You cannot deny only Genesis 1:1. When you do, you deny all of these other writings in the Bible.