Psalm 98 Devotional

Salvation for Every Nation

“He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”Psalm 98:3 (BSB)

Psalm 98 calls for a new song, because God has done wonders. By his own power he has won the victory (98:1). He has made his salvation known and displayed his righteousness before the watching world (98:2). He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to Israel, and people in every far corner have seen him save (98:3).

When old Simeon held the infant Jesus in the temple, he praised God for letting him see the salvation prepared for every people to see, light for the nations and glory for Israel (Luke 2:30-32). This psalm's hope was arriving in his arms. So the psalm calls every voice and instrument to join in, from harp to trumpet to ram's horn (98:4-6). Even creation takes part. The sea roars, the rivers applaud, and the hills shout together (98:7-8). All of it happens before the LORD, who is coming to judge the world with fairness (98:9). The salvation God won by his own strength is meant for the whole world, and that includes you.

To think about: What has God done in your life that deserves a new song of praise today?