Meaning of Psalms 98:7

Psalm 98:7 is a powerful declaration of universal praise directed towards God, encompassing the entirety of creation and all its inhabitants. The verse calls for a joyous and unrestrained celebration that echoes from the deepest oceans to the farthest reaches of the earth, including every living being. This is not a passive observation but an active, vocal acclamation, a cosmic symphony where every element is invited to participate in acknowledging the Creator's majesty and power. The imagery suggests a vibrant, dynamic outpouring of worship, reflecting God's sovereignty over all things and His redemptive acts that warrant such widespread adoration.

Context and Background

Psalm 98 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, specifically celebrating God's victorious acts, particularly His salvation and righteousness. It is likely a liturgical psalm, intended for use in public worship. The psalmist begins by recounting God's mighty deeds, such as His "wondrous works" and His "right hand and His holy arm" bringing Him victory (v. 1). The psalm then extends this praise to all nations, emphasizing God's faithfulness and justice in His dealings with humanity and the world. The climax of this praise, as seen in verse 7, is a call for the entire cosmos to join in the celebration.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are universal praise, God's sovereignty, and divine victory. The verse explicitly calls for "the sea" and "everything in it" to "resound," symbolizing the vast, often untamed forces of nature. This is immediately followed by "the world, and all who live in it," encompassing humanity and all terrestrial life. The message is that God's reign is not confined to a particular people or place; it extends to the furthest limits of existence. His "salvation" and "righteousness" (mentioned earlier in the psalm) are cosmic in scope, demanding a commensurate, all-encompassing response of joy and worship.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls believers to a holistic understanding of worship. It encourages an expansive view of God's glory, recognizing that He is worthy of praise not just for what He does for humanity, but for who He is in Himself, as the Creator and Sustainer of all. It prompts individuals to consider their own lives and the world around them as instruments of praise. The "resounding" can be interpreted as an internal, heartfelt joy that overflows outwardly, or as a tangible expression of faith through words, actions, and stewardship of creation. It is an invitation to participate in the ongoing worship of the heavenly hosts and all of creation.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Psalm 98:7 aligns with the overarching biblical narrative of God's creation and redemption. From the Genesis account where God declares His creation "good," to the New Testament's depiction of Christ as the agent through whom all things were created and are being reconciled (Colossians 1:16-20), the Bible consistently portrays God's ownership and authority over the entire cosmos. The prophetic visions of a renewed heaven and earth, and the final establishment of God's kingdom, further underscore this universal scope of His reign and the ultimate fulfillment of this call to praise.

Analogies

One analogy for the command in Psalm 98:7 is an orchestra tuning up. Before a grand symphony begins, each instrument, from the booming timpani to the delicate flute, is tested and brought into harmony to produce a unified sound. Similarly, God calls every part of creation – the deep oceans, the land, and all living beings – to contribute their unique "sound" to a grand chorus of praise. Another analogy is a vast celebration where every guest, regardless of their origin or station, is invited to join in the revelry, making the occasion more joyous and complete through their participation.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse resonates with numerous other biblical passages. Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 150 is a comprehensive call to praise, urging the use of various instruments and all living things to praise God. In the New Testament, Colossians 1:20 speaks of God reconciling "all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, which was shed on the cross," indicating a cosmic scope to Christ's redemptive work. Furthermore, Revelation 5:13 echoes this sentiment, stating, "Then I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'" These verses collectively reinforce the idea that God's glory and redemptive plan are meant to be acknowledged and celebrated by the entirety of existence.