Psalm Ninety Eight
by Dr. Henry M. Morris
(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)
A Psalm.
A Psalm. This is the only psalm with the simple title, “A Psalm.” It is a special song of joy, with the word “joyful noise” occurring twice (Psalm 98:4, 6). The same word (Hebrew rua) occurs in the first verses of the first and final psalms in this unique sextet of triumph songs (Psalms 95-100). The same word is also used when the angels “shouted for joy” as the Lord laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:7).
the ends of the earth. When Christ returns, in glory at the end of the tribulation period, “every eye shall see Him” (Revelation 1:7).
Psalm 98:5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
Psalm 98:6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
sound of cornet. In contrast to the “solemn sound” prescribed for sabbath-day worship in Israel (see note on Psalm 92:3), the time when Christ returns in glory will be a time for “the joyful sound” (Psalm 89:15), with a “new song” (Psalm 98:1), and all kinds of musical instruments (note also Psalm 150).
Psalm 98:7 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
the sea roar. See also Psalm 96:11. There will be “no more sea” in the new earth (Revelation 21:1). Thus the descriptions of the future world in Psalms 95-100 must apply primarily to the millennial earth.
Psalm 98:8 Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
clap their hands. See note on Psalm 47:1.
He cometh to judge. When Christ returns, there will be several judgments, all of them “with equity,” for “the Father ... hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22). See note on Matthew 25:32; note on 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; note on Romans 8:1; note on 2 Corinthians 5:10; note on Revelation 20:12-15).