Psalms 98:4-6
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read this as just a call to sing loudly, but the Hebrew word translated here as "break forth" carries a sense of sudden, explosive joy, like a dam bursting. It’s not just about volume, but about an overwhelming, unrestrained outpouring of praise that erupts from the whole earth.
This psalm celebrates God's triumphant deliverance and impending reign as King over all. Following the initial call to sing a new song for His victorious right hand, the text escalates the praise, urging all the earth to break forth into joyous song and instrumental music. This universal celebration is a direct response to God's righteous judgment and His coming to rule, signaling a new era where all creation will acknowledge Him.
Have you ever felt a joy so big it just had to burst out? This psalm calls for exactly that kind of praise, not just from a few, but from everywhere.
The call in Psalm 98:4 isn't a quiet whisper; it's a global explosion of joy! "All the earth" is invited to "make a joyful noise." This isn't just about a feeling; it's about an outward expression that should be heard far and wide. It suggests a praise so intense it transcends individual voices and becomes a universal declaration of God's greatness. This echoes the idea that God's work is so significant that it demands a response from all creation, a theme that anticipates a redeemed world singing His praises.
When words aren't enough, what do we do? This psalm suggests a rich, multi-sensory expression of praise.
The verse doesn't stop at a simple noise. It urges us to "break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" This imagery goes beyond mere vocalization. It speaks of a sudden, enthusiastic eruption of song, filled with melody and exuberance. Think of it as a spontaneous overflow of the heart's deepest gratitude and awe, expressed through music. This comprehensive call to praise, which in the surrounding verses includes instruments like harps and trumpets, points to a full-bodied worship that engages our entire being and anticipates a time when all of creation will join in this magnificent chorus.
Understand the original words
teru'ah · Hebrew Noun
A loud, exuberant shout or exclamation, often used in corporate worship to express praise, victory, or adoration to God. It signifies an uninhibited, vocal response to God's presence or deeds.
zamar · Hebrew Verb
The act of extolling God's character and deeds, often involving music, singing, and the declaration of His majesty. It is a fundamental response of the creature to the greatness of the Creator.
kinnor · Hebrew Noun
A stringed instrument commonly used in the Old Testament for worship and accompaniment. It symbolizes the use of creative arts and human skill to enhance the expression of worship to God.
chatsotserah · Hebrew Noun
This verse directly echoes Psalm 98:4, showing a repeated call for all the earth to praise God with joyful sounds and music during a significant worship event.
Isaiah 55:12This passage from Isaiah speaks of the 'hills breaking forth into singing' and 'trees of the field clapping their hands,' mirroring the personification of nature in Psalm 98, but here as a result of God's salvation and living waters.
Philippians 2:10-11While Psalm 98:4 calls for all creation to make joyful noise, Philippians reveals the ultimate fulfillment of this – that every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord, bringing about a universal acclamation of God's reign.
Revelation 19:6This verse describes a great multitude in heaven crying out 'Hallelujah!' with voices like the roar of the sea, illustrating the immense, joyful noise of praise that Psalm 98 anticipates on a global scale.
pulpitPsalms 98:4: "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."
Verse 4. - Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth. God is to be praised heartily - with a loud and ringing voice. The body is to unite with the soul in giving him thanks, and to perform its part vigorously and with zeal (comp. Psalm 5:3; Psalm 66:1; Psalm 81:1; Psalm 95:1, 2; Psalm 100:1, etc.). And in the praise of God the whole earth is to join. Make a loud noise, and re…
ellicottPsalms 98:4: "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."
(4) Make a joyful noise. —Better, Break out into songs and music.
It's easy to read this as just a call to sing loudly, but the Hebrew word translated here as "break forth" carries a sense of sudden, explosive joy, like a dam bursting. It’s not just about volume, but about an overwhelming, unrestrained outpouring of praise that erupts from the whole earth.
This psalm celebrates God's triumphant deliverance and impending reign as King over all. Following the initial call to sing a new song for His victorious right hand, the text escalates the praise, urging all the earth to break forth into joyous song and instrumental music. This universal celebration is a direct response to God's righteous judgment and His coming to rule, signaling a new era where all creation will acknowledge Him.
This psalm celebrates God's triumphant deliverance and impending reign as King over all. Following the initial call to sing a new song for His victorious right hand, the text escalates the praise, urging all the earth to break forth into joyous song and instrumental music. This universal celebration is a direct response to God's righteous judgment and His coming to rule, signaling a new era where all creation will acknowledge Him.
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A metal instrument used in Israel for signaling, announcing, or accompanying worship, often associated with the presence and declarations of God.
shophar · Hebrew Noun
A ram's horn used as a musical instrument or signaling device, notably used at Sinai and the fall of Jericho; it carries connotations of divine summons and celebration.
teruw'ah · Hebrew Noun
A loud, expressive shout of celebration, worship, or victory directed toward God, reflecting the enthusiastic response of the covenant people to His character and deeds.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God, revealed to Moses, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His people.
"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn m…" — It's easy to read this as just a call to sing loudly, but the Hebrew word translated here as "break forth" carries a sense of sudden, explosive joy, like a dam bursting. It’s not just about volume, b…
