Psalm 98.
Psalm 98, the second Psalm about His millennial reign, celebrates the result of the Lord’s setting up His authority on earth. A new song is mentioned seven times in the Old Testament: twice in Book 1 of the Psalms (33 and 40); twice in the Fourth Book (96 and 98), and twice in the Fifth Book (144 and 149); once in Isaiah 42. Twice in the New Testament (Revelation 5:9, and 14:3) is this expression found. In these passages the song is of praise to God on amount of His victorious power. In Psalm 40:3, the Lord Jesus as the obedient man is heard; but in the other five psalms mentioned, it is the believers, redeemed Israel —that are prompted to sing a new song.
Revelation 5:9 is the new song of the heavenly people, and Revelation 14:3 that of the earthly people. All of these passages except Psalm 40 belong to a time not yet come.
The 98th Psalm calls for a new song, because of what the Lord Jesus has done,— i.e., since His taking the throne of Israel. Wondrous indeed will be the change in this poor world when He shall have taken over its government. There will be then a display of power coupled with holiness (verse 1), and righteousness (verse 2) such as has never been seen on this earth, “Salvation” (or deliverance) as ‘the glad portion of all who accept the last offer of free grace is now known; those who will have believed the Jewish messengers bringing the Word of God, and warned of the wrath to come, suffer shame and contempt, cruel persecution, and, perhaps, imprisonment because of their trusting in the Lord, will now be seen to be the truly blessed.
The house of Israel (not only the Jews, but the long lost 10 tribes), God’s earthly people, though they have long slept in the dust of the earth, will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame, and everlasting contempt (Daniel 12:2).
In dealing with these and with the nations (Matthew 25:31-46), His righteousness will be openly shown in the sight of the world (see Isaiah 53:11). Israel will thankfully own that His loving kindness and faithfulness, and nothing of their doing, are responsible for the favor and blessing which will have become theirs un the Lord’s return.
These considerations bring out the joyous expressions found in verses 4 to 9. Judgment there will necessarily be, but it will be of a character not before known by the world; with righteousness and with equity. There will be no partiality then; the rich and poor will fare alike, and no mistakes will be made, as man makes now.
ML 07/19/1931