‏ Psalms 98:1

Introduction

God is celebrated for his wondrous works, Psa 98:1, Psa 98:2; for the exact fulfillment of his gracious promises, Psa 98:3. The manner in which he is to be praised, Psa 98:4-6. Inanimate creation called to bear a part in this concert, Psa 98:7, Psa 98:8. The justice of his judgments, Psa 98:9.

In the Hebrew this is simply termed מזמור mizmor, a Psalm. In the Chaldee, A prophetic Psalm. In the Vulgate, Septuagint, Ethiopic, A Psalm of David. In the Syriac it is attributed to David, and stated to be composed concerning the "Restoration of the Israelites from Egypt; but is to be understood spiritually of the advent of the Messiah, and the vocation of the Gentiles to the Christian faith."

The Psalm in its subject is very like the ninety-sixth. It was probably written to celebrate the deliverance from the Babylonish captivity; but is to be understood prophetically of the redemption of the world by Jesus Christ.

Verse 1

A new song - A song of excellence. Give him the highest praise. See on Psa 96:1 (note).

Hath done marvellous things - נפלאות niphlaoth, "miracles," the same word as in Psa 96:3, where we translate it wonders.

His holy arm - His Almighty power: -

Hath gotten him the victory - הושיעה לו hoshiah llo, "hath made salvation to himself."
Copyright information for Clarke