With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse doesn't just call for loud noises; it points to the King of all creation being present. The specific Hebrew words for "trumpets" and "horn" hint at distinct, powerful sounds, like ancient signals, being deliberately amplified to announce that the LORD Himself is the reigning sovereign. This isn't just a celebration, but a formal, resounding proclamation of His royal authority.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a triumphant song celebrating God's victory and reign, echoing earlier calls to praise. It builds on the idea of God establishing His kingship by recounting how His mighty acts have brought salvation and righteousness. The passage specifically uses vibrant imagery of instruments and joyful noise, pointing towards a grand celebration of God's rule over all creation.
Imagine the sheer volume and spectacle! What kind of instruments were these, and why such a grand display?
This verse calls for a 'joyful noise' made with trumpets and horns. The original Hebrew actually mentions two distinct instruments: the 'chatsotserah' (trumpets) and the 'shophar' (horn or cornet).
Together, these instruments created a powerful, layered sound, a royal fanfare fit for a king. This wasn't just background music; it was a deliberate, God-ordained way to announce His presence and reign.
We're called to make a 'joyful noise' before the LORD. What does that really mean, and who is this King we're facing?
The heart of this verse is the instruction to 'make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!' This isn't a quiet, introspective moment; it's a loud, exultant celebration.
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This call to 'make a joyful noise' is an invitation to let our outward expressions match our inner reverence and joy for who God is and what He has done.
Understand the original words
chatsotserah · Hebrew Noun
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.
The use of trumpets and horns in Psalm 98:6 connects directly to ancient Israelite worship practices, particularly the signaling for sacred assemblies and celebratory occasions. These instruments were not merely musical; they were divinely ordained signals for God's people to gather, rejoice, and acknowledge His sovereign rule, especially during times of divine intervention and victory.
c. 1400 BC
Instructions for Sacred Trumpets Issued
God gives Moses instructions for making two silver trumpets (chatzotzrot) for calling the community and signaling movements of the camp. These are associated with priestly and sacred signaling roles.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Reforms in Temple Worship
King David organizes the Levitical musicians, including the use of trumpets and horns, for the worship of God in Jerusalem. This establishes a precedent for instrumental music in the sanctuary.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Inauguration
During the dedication of the First Temple, a massive assembly is marked by the sound of 120 trumpets and other instruments, highlighting their role in proclaiming God's glory and presence.
Psalm 98 composition— this verse
Psalm 98 Composed
This psalm, celebrating God's victorious kingship and deliverance, likely emerged from a period of national celebration, possibly a return from exile or a significant military victory, and would have been sung with the described instruments.
c. 500 BC
Post-Exilic Temple Worship Resumes
Following the return from Babylonian exile, worship in the Second Temple is re-established, continuing the tradition of using trumpets and horns in praise of God, echoing earlier practices.
This passage describes the joyous procession bringing the Ark of God to Jerusalem, highlighting the use of trumpets, cymbals, and lyres, mirroring the musical celebration for the LORD as King in Psalm 98:6.
2 Chronicles 5:12-13Echoing the joyous sound of trumpets and voices, this passage details the dedication of the Temple, emphasizing how music and praise are directed 'to give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,' aligning with the worship of the LORD as King.
Nehemiah 12:41-42This account of the dedication of Jerusalem's wall includes a grand procession with musicians playing trumpets, harps, and lyres, all making joyful noise before the LORD, underscoring the communal and festive nature of worshipping God as King.
Isaiah 52:8-10This prophetic passage calls for joyful shouting and singing from the watchmen and even from the ruins of Jerusalem, as the LORD redeems His people and shows His power, connecting the theme of God's kingship and mighty acts with exultant praise.
Revelation 19:11-16This passage describes Christ returning as King and Judge, leading heavenly armies, and is associated with the sound of trumpets and a great multitude in heaven praising God, signifying the ultimate culmination of God's reign and the praise it inspires.
pulpitPsalms 98:6: "With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King."
Verse 6. - With trumpet and sound of cornet; rather, with clarions and voice of trumpet. The chatsotseroth are "the straight trumpets, such as are seen on the Arch of Titus, used by the priests for giving signals" (Kay). The shophar is the ordinary curved or rounded trumpet or horn. Make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King; literally, before the King, Jehovah. (On the use of wind instruments in…
clarkePsalms 98:6: "With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King."
With trumpets - חצצרות chatsotseroth. Some kind of tubular instruments, of the form and management of which we know nothing. And sound of cornet - שופר shophar, the word commonly used for what we call trumpet.
This verse doesn't just call for loud noises; it points to the King of all creation being present. The specific Hebrew words for "trumpets" and "horn" hint at distinct, powerful sounds, like ancient signals, being deliberately amplified to announce that the LORD Himself is the reigning sovereign. This isn't just a celebration, but a formal, resounding proclamation of His royal authority.
This psalm is a triumphant song celebrating God's victory and reign, echoing earlier calls to praise. It builds on the idea of God establishing His kingship by recounting how His mighty acts have brought salvation and righteousness. The passage specifically uses vibrant imagery of instruments and joyful noise, pointing towards a grand celebration of God's rule over all creation.
This psalm is a triumphant song celebrating God's victory and reign, echoing earlier calls to praise. It builds on the idea of God establishing His kingship by recounting how His mighty acts have brought salvation and righteousness. The passage specifically uses vibrant imagery of instruments and joyful noise, pointing towards a grand celebration of God's rule over all creation.
"With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!" — This verse doesn't just call for loud noises; it points to the King of all creation being present. The specific Hebrew words for "trumpets" and "horn" hint at distinct, powerful sounds, like ancien…
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Last reviewed October 2026