From Psalms 96-102

Today’s psalm connects the five concepts of salvation, righteousness, covenant and kingdom together. The psalmist recalls the saving works of the LORD and rejoices. Its a simple song of praise where all creation is called upon to praise the LORD.

This post is part of my bible in a year series.

Overview

Ps 96.1-13; Book Four; Unknown; Worship in the Splendor of Holiness

Ps 97.1-12; Book Four; Unknown; The LORD Reigns

Ps 98.1-9; Book Four; Unknown; Make a Joyful Noise to the LORD

Ps 99.1-9; Book Four; Unknown; The LORD Our God Is Holy

Ps 100.1-5; Book Four; Unknown; His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

Ps 101.1-8; Book Four; David; I Will Walk with Integrity

Ps 102.1-28; Book Four; Unknown; Do Not Hide Your Face from Me

Passage and Comments

The psalmist praises the LORD for what he has done. The LORD, the King of all creation has won a mighty victory.

In Genesis 15.12-21 God predicts that Abraham’s offspring will be made servants of another nation. He promises to bring judgment on this nation and bring them out with great possessions. He makes a covenant and promises Abraham he will give his descendants land.

In the early chapters of Exodus, Abraham’s offspring have grown into a great nation. But as the LORD predicted they are in slavery to Egypt. God remembers his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Ex 2.23-25).

The story of Israel begins (Exodus – Deuteronomy) with their great moment of salvation through the mighty deeds and wonders of the LORD. God fulfills his covenant promises. He saves Israel.

The psalmist bursts into song. Its a song of praise for what the LORD has done.

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.

2 The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.

3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. (Ps 98:1-3)

The LORD has worked salvation for Israel his people. He did this with his right hand and holy arm. Of the two arms, the right side was the most important (cf. Mk 16.19; Lk 22.69; Acts 5.31; Rom 8.34; Col 3.1; Heb 1.3; 1 Pet 3.22).

The psalmist connects a series of concepts. They belong together under the dominant motif of covenant.

Salvation – Righteousness – Steadfast love – Faithfulness.

Starting with covenant themes, God remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness. That is God has remembered his covenant and promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He promised to rescue Israel from captivity and provide them with a land.

God’s steadfast love and faithfulness are tied to the covenant through the Old Testament, probably the most celebrated of the LORD’s characteristics in the Old Testament.

The LORD has made known his salvation and revealed his righteousness (cf. Rom 1.17; 3.21-22,25-26). In fulfilling his covenant promises the LORD has been righteous. Thus He has revealed his covenant righteousness through the Exodus story in which he saved Israel. He has done this in the sight of the nations and all the ends of the earth have seen it.

4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!

6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD! (Ps 98:4-6)

Once again the psalmist calls his audience to praise. To sing songs and praise him. To blow trumpets. To make joyful noise.

I’m sure the LORD loves our joyful song and praise.

The psalmist doesn’t stop with his people. He calls upon all creation to praise the LORD.

7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!

8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together

9 before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. (Ps 98:7–9)

Creation knows its creator. Creation joins us in joyful praise for the righteous king and his saving acts.

God’s people and creation long for him to come in judgment.

He will judge the world with righteousness. The context of the term now directs us to think of God’s kingly righteousness. As king he executes justice in his domain. He saves and rewards the righteous, he punishes the wicked and he helps the poor and needy.

In the scriptures, God’s people are optimistic when it comes to the LORD’s judgment. This is not unexpected for those who know they are in the right before him. Who see injustice in the world. The LORD will set his creation to rights.

Story of Israel

God judges the world by identifying and condemning sin and by vindicating and rewarding the righteous. God exercises temporal judgment on the world and on his people; final judgment will take place when he returns.

Israel came to understand God’s judgment is certain (Ec 3.17; 12:14). It’s righteous (Gen 18:25; Ps 9:7–8; 50:6; 96:13) and impartial (2 Ch 19:7; Dt 10:17) as we have seen in the psalm above. God’s judgment displays his glory (Is 5:16; Ex 14:4; Is 59:18–19; Eze 7:27; Eze 38:23).

In it he vindicates the righteous (1 Sa 24:12–15; Ps 7:8–9; Is 34:8; Je 11:20; 51:9–10) and thankfully  defends the weak (Ps 140:12; 82:1–4; Is 11:4; Eze 34:16–22).

He judges to bring salvation to his people (Is 30:18; Ex 6:6; Dt 32:36; Ps 76:8–9; Ps 105:5–7; Is 33:22) and to punish sin (Ps 1:4–6). God also judges to turn people to himself (Is 19:22; 1 Ki 8:33; 2 Ch 7:13–14; Da 4:33–34; Ho 2:5–7; 1 Co 11:29–32).

As our psalmist says, God will judge all peoples and nations (Joe 3:12–13; Gen 6:17; 19:24–25; Ex 7:4–5; Nu 33:4; Is 10:12; Is 37:36; Je 25:12; Je 51:56).

Story of Jesus

In the gospel after Jesus’ birth was foretold Mary sang a song of praise to the LORD.

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;

53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. (Lk 1:46–56)

Like our psalm, her song she recalls the saving acts of the LORD (‘mercy’). All generations will call her blessed. She knows the baby she will give birth to has come to save Israel and the world. God remembers his mercy he spoke to Abraham and his offspring. She believes in her son God will fulfill his covenant promises and judge the world.

Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2015. All Rights Reserved.