Psalms 98:1
Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "his right hand and his holy arm" isn't just poetic language for God's power; it specifically points to his righteous actions bringing salvation. This isn't merely about strength, but about God's inherently holy nature working out deliverance, underscoring that God's saving acts are always rooted in His character.
This psalm begins with a powerful call to worship, urging a "new song" because God has performed astonishing acts of deliverance. It echoes earlier calls to praise found in Psalms 96 and 99, highlighting God's mighty power, represented by his "right hand and holy arm," which secured victory and salvation. This imagery draws on historical accounts of God's interventions, like the Exodus, suggesting a fresh, momentous act of redemption that deserves a song unlike any heard before.
Why does God's Word tell us to sing a 'new song'? It's not just about catchy tunes!
This verse kicks off Psalm 98 with an enthusiastic call to worship. The emphasis on a 'new song' suggests praise that is fresh, distinct, and responsive to God's latest, most amazing acts.
Fresh Expressions of Praise
It's more than just a change of melody. A 'new song' signifies a praise that acknowledges God's current work in history and in our lives. It recognizes that God is continually acting, revealing new aspects of His character and power.
Beyond Routine Worship
This isn't about abandoning the old songs of faith, but about adding to them. The 'new song' is born from fresh encounters with God's faithfulness, particularly His mighty acts of salvation and deliverance.
The Bible often uses physical imagery to describe God's power. What does 'His right hand and His holy arm' really mean?
The psalm attributes salvation not to human effort, but to God's own powerful and holy actions. 'His right hand' and 'His holy arm' are powerful metaphors for God's direct intervention and strength.
Divine Power at Work
God's 'right hand' is often depicted as the source of His executive power, authority, and ability to act decisively. His 'arm' signifies His strength and the active execution of His will. When coupled with 'holy,' it emphasizes that His power is always wielded in perfect righteousness and for His righteous purposes.
The Source of Salvation
This imagery points to the fact that salvation isn't a collaborative effort between God and humanity, nor is it a result of any created power. It is God, in His sovereign might and perfect holiness, who achieves victory and brings salvation. This theme resonates powerfully throughout Scripture, pointing ultimately to Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It signifies the God who enters into a redemptive relationship with humanity.
yeshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
A manifestation of divine power, often in the context of rescue, deliverance, or victory over enemies. It denotes the act of God interceding to save His people from danger or oppression.
yad · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for God's power, agency, and authority in action. It represents His strength and ability to intervene in history to accomplish His sovereign purposes.
qodesh · Hebrew Noun
An expression of God’s absolute purity, transcendence, and set-apartness. It signifies that His power and actions are entirely consistent with His perfect moral character.
This psalm's call for a 'new song' is deeply tied to the profound experience of God's deliverance, particularly the return from Babylonian exile. It's a reminder that God's redemptive acts, both historically and ultimately in Christ, provide fresh reasons for worship and awe.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, parting the Red Sea to allow their escape and drowning the pursuing Egyptian army. This event, culminating in the Song of Moses (Exodus 15), is a foundational 'marvelous thing' of salvation.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Crisis
During this period of rising Assyrian power, prophets like Isaiah delivered messages of judgment and hope, often referencing God's past deliverances and His sovereign power to save. Isaiah 59:16 and 63:5, which speak of God's powerful arm in salvation, likely resonate with the anxieties and hopes of this era.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians exiled many Judean elites, including Daniel. This marked the beginning of the end for the Southern Kingdom and a period of deep national trauma and spiritual questioning.
587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population. This catastrophic event plunged Israel into despair and a sense of God's abandonment, prompting deep reflection on God's faithfulness and power.
This passage celebrates God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt, echoing the 'new song' and 'marvelous things' mentioned in Psalm 98, as it's a foundational victory for God's people.
Isaiah 59:16This verse highlights God's own power and righteousness in achieving salvation, mirroring the imagery of 'his right hand and his holy arm' working deliverance, emphasizing that salvation comes from God alone.
Luke 1:46-55Mary's Magnificat is a 'new song' that praises God for his mercy and mighty deeds, particularly in the salvation He is bringing through her son, Jesus, showing how praise for God's saving work continues through new covenants.
Romans 6:4This verse speaks of being raised to new life with Christ, paralleling the 'new song' of Psalm 98 with the concept of a new life that arises from God's victorious work of salvation and resurrection.
Revelation 5:9The song sung before the throne in Revelation refers to redemption through Christ's blood, linking the 'new song' of Psalm 98 to the ultimate, universal praise for the marvelous work of salvation accomplished by God's 'right hand and holy arm'.
pulpitPsalms 98:1: "<> O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."
Verse 1. - O sing unto the Lord a new song (comp. Psalm 96, which opens similarly). The faithful and wise steward is ever bringing out of his treasures things which are at once old and "new." For he hath done marvellous things. The "marvellous things" which God has done for man constitute the first ground for praising him. These marvels may be eit…
bensonPsalms 98:1: "A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."
Psalm 98:1 . O sing unto the Lord a new song — See on Psalm 96:1 . For he hath done marvellous things — The work of our redemption and salvation by Christ is a work of wonder. If we take a view of all the steps of it, from the contrivance of it before all time to the consummation of it, and its everlasting consequences when time shall be no…
The phrase "his right hand and his holy arm" isn't just poetic language for God's power; it specifically points to his righteous actions bringing salvation. This isn't merely about strength, but about God's inherently holy nature working out deliverance, underscoring that God's saving acts are always rooted in His character.
This psalm begins with a powerful call to worship, urging a "new song" because God has performed astonishing acts of deliverance. It echoes earlier calls to praise found in Psalms 96 and 99, highlighting God's mighty power, represented by his "right hand and holy arm," which secured victory and salvation. This imagery draws on historical accounts of God's interventions, like the Exodus, suggesting a fresh, momentous act of redemption that deserves a song unlike any heard before.
This psalm begins with a powerful call to worship, urging a "new song" because God has performed astonishing acts of deliverance. It echoes earlier calls to praise found in Psalms 96 and 99, highlighting God's mighty power, represented by his "right hand and holy arm," which secured victory and salvation. This imagery draws on historical accounts of God's interventions, like the Exodus, suggesting a fresh, momentous act of redemption that deserves a song unlike any heard before.
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c. 538 BC— this verse
Edict of Cyrus and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This was seen as a miraculous restoration and a testament to God's power and faithfulness, a 'new song' for a broken people.
c. 1st Century AD
Ministry of Jesus Christ
Theological interpretations see Jesus's life, death, and resurrection as the ultimate 'marvelous thing' and the greatest victory, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and bringing salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.
"Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him." — The phrase "his right hand and his holy arm" isn't just poetic language for God's power; it specifically points to his righteous actions bringing salvation. This isn't merely about strength, but abou…
