Psalms 98

Psalms 98:1

The Procession of God

This section is clearly prophetic. It resembles the song of Moses after the deliverance of God’s people from the Egyptians (Exodus 15:1-21). Here it is God Who as King in the Person of the Lord Jesus is going to take His own throne. Christ is the King-Priest, the true Melchizedek. Therefore, His throne is also His sanctuary. Now it is not about the restoration of the temple service, but about a procession or going that is also a triumphal procession or going (Psalms 68:24). The king of the North and his army have been defeated. This triumphal march takes place before the eyes of “they”, that is, the world.

When God has finally defeated and humbled His enemies, He takes up His residence in the sanctuary. Full of delight, which we hear in the exclamation “O God”, the psalmist says that as the ark was carried up to Jerusalem, the spectators saw its procession into the sanctuary. The procession of the ark is the procession of God, for the ark is His throne. This God David calls “my God, my King”, indicating a personal relationship with Him (cf. John 20:28).

It is a procession that not only has spectators, but in which a crowd joins in the procession (Psalms 68:25; 1 Chronicles 15:14; 25). “The singers” go in front, after them come “musicians in the midst of the maidens beating tambourines”. It recalls what Miriam and all the women do with tambourines after the deliverance from Egypt and the passage through the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21).

God wants to meet with a people “in the congregations” where they bless or praise Him as the almighty Creator “God” (Psalms 68:26). He is also “the LORD”, the covenant God of His people. He wants them to praise Him as LORD as well. Those who are called to do so are “of the fountain of Israel”. The fountain or origin of Israel is God Himself (Isaiah 51:1; cf. Psalms 87:7). All who are connected to Him as the living Fountain – which is only possible if they have received His nature (2 Peter 1:4) – can praise Him.

All twelve tribes – for by now the lost ten tribes are also back in the land (Psalms 68:22b) – will come and bless God in the congregations (Psalms 68:27). They are represented by Benjamin and Judah from the south and Zebulun and Naphtali from the north. Benjamin is called “the youngest” because he is the youngest son of Jacob and the smallest tribe of Israel (1 Samuel 9:21). It is, however, the tribe that rules, that robs and divides the spoil (cf. Genesis 49:27).

“The princes of Judah”, the king’s tribe, are present to bring up the ark. They lead the way in “their throng”, which is the company of Judah that also walks along. Judah is much larger than Benjamin, has many considerable people and a large company. Yet Benjamin seems to be in the lead in this procession. Thus Benjamin is mentioned prior to Judah. It is also written of him that he rules, which may indicate that he controls the procession.

Zebulun and Naphtali are far from the temple. Yet they are tribes known for their dedication to God in a time of decay (Judges 5:18). Over the territory of these two tribes contempt is brought. It is symbolic of spiritual darkness. The first coming of the Lord Jesus changed this (Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:12-16). This will happen again at the second coming of the Lord Jesus, His return to earth. Then He will not be rejected, but accepted and will establish His realm of peace and righteousness.

Psalms 98:2

The Procession of God

This section is clearly prophetic. It resembles the song of Moses after the deliverance of God’s people from the Egyptians (Exodus 15:1-21). Here it is God Who as King in the Person of the Lord Jesus is going to take His own throne. Christ is the King-Priest, the true Melchizedek. Therefore, His throne is also His sanctuary. Now it is not about the restoration of the temple service, but about a procession or going that is also a triumphal procession or going (Psalms 68:24). The king of the North and his army have been defeated. This triumphal march takes place before the eyes of “they”, that is, the world.

When God has finally defeated and humbled His enemies, He takes up His residence in the sanctuary. Full of delight, which we hear in the exclamation “O God”, the psalmist says that as the ark was carried up to Jerusalem, the spectators saw its procession into the sanctuary. The procession of the ark is the procession of God, for the ark is His throne. This God David calls “my God, my King”, indicating a personal relationship with Him (cf. John 20:28).

It is a procession that not only has spectators, but in which a crowd joins in the procession (Psalms 68:25; 1 Chronicles 15:14; 25). “The singers” go in front, after them come “musicians in the midst of the maidens beating tambourines”. It recalls what Miriam and all the women do with tambourines after the deliverance from Egypt and the passage through the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21).

God wants to meet with a people “in the congregations” where they bless or praise Him as the almighty Creator “God” (Psalms 68:26). He is also “the LORD”, the covenant God of His people. He wants them to praise Him as LORD as well. Those who are called to do so are “of the fountain of Israel”. The fountain or origin of Israel is God Himself (Isaiah 51:1; cf. Psalms 87:7). All who are connected to Him as the living Fountain – which is only possible if they have received His nature (2 Peter 1:4) – can praise Him.

All twelve tribes – for by now the lost ten tribes are also back in the land (Psalms 68:22b) – will come and bless God in the congregations (Psalms 68:27). They are represented by Benjamin and Judah from the south and Zebulun and Naphtali from the north. Benjamin is called “the youngest” because he is the youngest son of Jacob and the smallest tribe of Israel (1 Samuel 9:21). It is, however, the tribe that rules, that robs and divides the spoil (cf. Genesis 49:27).

“The princes of Judah”, the king’s tribe, are present to bring up the ark. They lead the way in “their throng”, which is the company of Judah that also walks along. Judah is much larger than Benjamin, has many considerable people and a large company. Yet Benjamin seems to be in the lead in this procession. Thus Benjamin is mentioned prior to Judah. It is also written of him that he rules, which may indicate that he controls the procession.

Zebulun and Naphtali are far from the temple. Yet they are tribes known for their dedication to God in a time of decay (Judges 5:18). Over the territory of these two tribes contempt is brought. It is symbolic of spiritual darkness. The first coming of the Lord Jesus changed this (Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:12-16). This will happen again at the second coming of the Lord Jesus, His return to earth. Then He will not be rejected, but accepted and will establish His realm of peace and righteousness.

Psalms 98:3

The Procession of God

This section is clearly prophetic. It resembles the song of Moses after the deliverance of God’s people from the Egyptians (Exodus 15:1-21). Here it is God Who as King in the Person of the Lord Jesus is going to take His own throne. Christ is the King-Priest, the true Melchizedek. Therefore, His throne is also His sanctuary. Now it is not about the restoration of the temple service, but about a procession or going that is also a triumphal procession or going (Psalms 68:24). The king of the North and his army have been defeated. This triumphal march takes place before the eyes of “they”, that is, the world.

When God has finally defeated and humbled His enemies, He takes up His residence in the sanctuary. Full of delight, which we hear in the exclamation “O God”, the psalmist says that as the ark was carried up to Jerusalem, the spectators saw its procession into the sanctuary. The procession of the ark is the procession of God, for the ark is His throne. This God David calls “my God, my King”, indicating a personal relationship with Him (cf. John 20:28).

It is a procession that not only has spectators, but in which a crowd joins in the procession (Psalms 68:25; 1 Chronicles 15:14; 25). “The singers” go in front, after them come “musicians in the midst of the maidens beating tambourines”. It recalls what Miriam and all the women do with tambourines after the deliverance from Egypt and the passage through the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21).

God wants to meet with a people “in the congregations” where they bless or praise Him as the almighty Creator “God” (Psalms 68:26). He is also “the LORD”, the covenant God of His people. He wants them to praise Him as LORD as well. Those who are called to do so are “of the fountain of Israel”. The fountain or origin of Israel is God Himself (Isaiah 51:1; cf. Psalms 87:7). All who are connected to Him as the living Fountain – which is only possible if they have received His nature (2 Peter 1:4) – can praise Him.

All twelve tribes – for by now the lost ten tribes are also back in the land (Psalms 68:22b) – will come and bless God in the congregations (Psalms 68:27). They are represented by Benjamin and Judah from the south and Zebulun and Naphtali from the north. Benjamin is called “the youngest” because he is the youngest son of Jacob and the smallest tribe of Israel (1 Samuel 9:21). It is, however, the tribe that rules, that robs and divides the spoil (cf. Genesis 49:27).

“The princes of Judah”, the king’s tribe, are present to bring up the ark. They lead the way in “their throng”, which is the company of Judah that also walks along. Judah is much larger than Benjamin, has many considerable people and a large company. Yet Benjamin seems to be in the lead in this procession. Thus Benjamin is mentioned prior to Judah. It is also written of him that he rules, which may indicate that he controls the procession.

Zebulun and Naphtali are far from the temple. Yet they are tribes known for their dedication to God in a time of decay (Judges 5:18). Over the territory of these two tribes contempt is brought. It is symbolic of spiritual darkness. The first coming of the Lord Jesus changed this (Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:12-16). This will happen again at the second coming of the Lord Jesus, His return to earth. Then He will not be rejected, but accepted and will establish His realm of peace and righteousness.

Psalms 98:4

The Procession of God

This section is clearly prophetic. It resembles the song of Moses after the deliverance of God’s people from the Egyptians (Exodus 15:1-21). Here it is God Who as King in the Person of the Lord Jesus is going to take His own throne. Christ is the King-Priest, the true Melchizedek. Therefore, His throne is also His sanctuary. Now it is not about the restoration of the temple service, but about a procession or going that is also a triumphal procession or going (Psalms 68:24). The king of the North and his army have been defeated. This triumphal march takes place before the eyes of “they”, that is, the world.

When God has finally defeated and humbled His enemies, He takes up His residence in the sanctuary. Full of delight, which we hear in the exclamation “O God”, the psalmist says that as the ark was carried up to Jerusalem, the spectators saw its procession into the sanctuary. The procession of the ark is the procession of God, for the ark is His throne. This God David calls “my God, my King”, indicating a personal relationship with Him (cf. John 20:28).

It is a procession that not only has spectators, but in which a crowd joins in the procession (Psalms 68:25; 1 Chronicles 15:14; 25). “The singers” go in front, after them come “musicians in the midst of the maidens beating tambourines”. It recalls what Miriam and all the women do with tambourines after the deliverance from Egypt and the passage through the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21).

God wants to meet with a people “in the congregations” where they bless or praise Him as the almighty Creator “God” (Psalms 68:26). He is also “the LORD”, the covenant God of His people. He wants them to praise Him as LORD as well. Those who are called to do so are “of the fountain of Israel”. The fountain or origin of Israel is God Himself (Isaiah 51:1; cf. Psalms 87:7). All who are connected to Him as the living Fountain – which is only possible if they have received His nature (2 Peter 1:4) – can praise Him.

All twelve tribes – for by now the lost ten tribes are also back in the land (Psalms 68:22b) – will come and bless God in the congregations (Psalms 68:27). They are represented by Benjamin and Judah from the south and Zebulun and Naphtali from the north. Benjamin is called “the youngest” because he is the youngest son of Jacob and the smallest tribe of Israel (1 Samuel 9:21). It is, however, the tribe that rules, that robs and divides the spoil (cf. Genesis 49:27).

“The princes of Judah”, the king’s tribe, are present to bring up the ark. They lead the way in “their throng”, which is the company of Judah that also walks along. Judah is much larger than Benjamin, has many considerable people and a large company. Yet Benjamin seems to be in the lead in this procession. Thus Benjamin is mentioned prior to Judah. It is also written of him that he rules, which may indicate that he controls the procession.

Zebulun and Naphtali are far from the temple. Yet they are tribes known for their dedication to God in a time of decay (Judges 5:18). Over the territory of these two tribes contempt is brought. It is symbolic of spiritual darkness. The first coming of the Lord Jesus changed this (Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:12-16). This will happen again at the second coming of the Lord Jesus, His return to earth. Then He will not be rejected, but accepted and will establish His realm of peace and righteousness.

Psalms 98:5

Kings Bring Gifts

God has made His people strong in their battle against the king of the North (Psalms 68:28; Zechariah 12:5-6; cf. Joshua 1:9). Now they ask Him to give even more strength and to reinforce what He has done to them. There is a desire for more strength so that what God has done will be even more evident. We are able to nullify what God has done to us by working on it ourselves. Here we see that the strength we have been privileged to experience from God should lead us to ask for even more strength so that it becomes ever more evident that God is at work in our lives.

Their request to show Himself strong in relation with God’s action on their behalf applies first and foremost to His temple in Jerusalem (Psalms 68:29). They would like to see God’s strength put into action in kings of foreign powers who bring Him gifts for the sake of His temple in Jerusalem. That is what those kings will do when they see that with all their might they are powerless against the mighty God (cf. Isaiah 49:7; Isaiah 60:5). At the birth of the Lord Jesus they brought gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11b). At His return they will bring gold and frankincense (Isaiah 60:6). There will be no myrrh with them then, because myrrh speaks of the suffering and dying of the Lord Jesus and that is accomplished.

The second question concerns the revelation of His power toward their enemies. They ask Him to “rebuke the beasts in the reeds” (Psalms 68:30). By the beasts they mean the nations and possibly the Egyptians in particular (cf. Ezekiel 32:2a). “The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples” represents the oppressors and misleaders of the peoples or tribes of apostate Israel (cf. Psalms 22:12).

The leader of apostate Israel, the antichrist, submits himself with “pieces of silver” to the nations. He buys the favor of God-hostile nations (Europe) to oppose the disciplinary rod of God (Assyria). But in faith the psalmist sees the victory of God: “He has scattered the peoples who delight in war.” All the armies that have gathered and find joy in war against God and His people are scattered by Him like chaff in the wind. He drives them out and exterminates them.

God will judge the rebellious nations. A remnant from those nations will come to His dwelling place in Jerusalem. There will “envoys come out of Egypt” to bow down to the true God, the God of Israel (Psalms 68:31; Isaiah 19:20-22). “Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God” (cf. Isaiah 45:14). This means that they will do what they need to do quickly: Begging Him to spare them. This is what stretching out their hands to Him speaks of.

Psalms 98:6

Kings Bring Gifts

God has made His people strong in their battle against the king of the North (Psalms 68:28; Zechariah 12:5-6; cf. Joshua 1:9). Now they ask Him to give even more strength and to reinforce what He has done to them. There is a desire for more strength so that what God has done will be even more evident. We are able to nullify what God has done to us by working on it ourselves. Here we see that the strength we have been privileged to experience from God should lead us to ask for even more strength so that it becomes ever more evident that God is at work in our lives.

Their request to show Himself strong in relation with God’s action on their behalf applies first and foremost to His temple in Jerusalem (Psalms 68:29). They would like to see God’s strength put into action in kings of foreign powers who bring Him gifts for the sake of His temple in Jerusalem. That is what those kings will do when they see that with all their might they are powerless against the mighty God (cf. Isaiah 49:7; Isaiah 60:5). At the birth of the Lord Jesus they brought gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11b). At His return they will bring gold and frankincense (Isaiah 60:6). There will be no myrrh with them then, because myrrh speaks of the suffering and dying of the Lord Jesus and that is accomplished.

The second question concerns the revelation of His power toward their enemies. They ask Him to “rebuke the beasts in the reeds” (Psalms 68:30). By the beasts they mean the nations and possibly the Egyptians in particular (cf. Ezekiel 32:2a). “The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples” represents the oppressors and misleaders of the peoples or tribes of apostate Israel (cf. Psalms 22:12).

The leader of apostate Israel, the antichrist, submits himself with “pieces of silver” to the nations. He buys the favor of God-hostile nations (Europe) to oppose the disciplinary rod of God (Assyria). But in faith the psalmist sees the victory of God: “He has scattered the peoples who delight in war.” All the armies that have gathered and find joy in war against God and His people are scattered by Him like chaff in the wind. He drives them out and exterminates them.

God will judge the rebellious nations. A remnant from those nations will come to His dwelling place in Jerusalem. There will “envoys come out of Egypt” to bow down to the true God, the God of Israel (Psalms 68:31; Isaiah 19:20-22). “Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God” (cf. Isaiah 45:14). This means that they will do what they need to do quickly: Begging Him to spare them. This is what stretching out their hands to Him speaks of.

Psalms 98:7

Kings Bring Gifts

God has made His people strong in their battle against the king of the North (Psalms 68:28; Zechariah 12:5-6; cf. Joshua 1:9). Now they ask Him to give even more strength and to reinforce what He has done to them. There is a desire for more strength so that what God has done will be even more evident. We are able to nullify what God has done to us by working on it ourselves. Here we see that the strength we have been privileged to experience from God should lead us to ask for even more strength so that it becomes ever more evident that God is at work in our lives.

Their request to show Himself strong in relation with God’s action on their behalf applies first and foremost to His temple in Jerusalem (Psalms 68:29). They would like to see God’s strength put into action in kings of foreign powers who bring Him gifts for the sake of His temple in Jerusalem. That is what those kings will do when they see that with all their might they are powerless against the mighty God (cf. Isaiah 49:7; Isaiah 60:5). At the birth of the Lord Jesus they brought gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11b). At His return they will bring gold and frankincense (Isaiah 60:6). There will be no myrrh with them then, because myrrh speaks of the suffering and dying of the Lord Jesus and that is accomplished.

The second question concerns the revelation of His power toward their enemies. They ask Him to “rebuke the beasts in the reeds” (Psalms 68:30). By the beasts they mean the nations and possibly the Egyptians in particular (cf. Ezekiel 32:2a). “The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples” represents the oppressors and misleaders of the peoples or tribes of apostate Israel (cf. Psalms 22:12).

The leader of apostate Israel, the antichrist, submits himself with “pieces of silver” to the nations. He buys the favor of God-hostile nations (Europe) to oppose the disciplinary rod of God (Assyria). But in faith the psalmist sees the victory of God: “He has scattered the peoples who delight in war.” All the armies that have gathered and find joy in war against God and His people are scattered by Him like chaff in the wind. He drives them out and exterminates them.

God will judge the rebellious nations. A remnant from those nations will come to His dwelling place in Jerusalem. There will “envoys come out of Egypt” to bow down to the true God, the God of Israel (Psalms 68:31; Isaiah 19:20-22). “Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God” (cf. Isaiah 45:14). This means that they will do what they need to do quickly: Begging Him to spare them. This is what stretching out their hands to Him speaks of.

Psalms 98:8

Kings Bring Gifts

God has made His people strong in their battle against the king of the North (Psalms 68:28; Zechariah 12:5-6; cf. Joshua 1:9). Now they ask Him to give even more strength and to reinforce what He has done to them. There is a desire for more strength so that what God has done will be even more evident. We are able to nullify what God has done to us by working on it ourselves. Here we see that the strength we have been privileged to experience from God should lead us to ask for even more strength so that it becomes ever more evident that God is at work in our lives.

Their request to show Himself strong in relation with God’s action on their behalf applies first and foremost to His temple in Jerusalem (Psalms 68:29). They would like to see God’s strength put into action in kings of foreign powers who bring Him gifts for the sake of His temple in Jerusalem. That is what those kings will do when they see that with all their might they are powerless against the mighty God (cf. Isaiah 49:7; Isaiah 60:5). At the birth of the Lord Jesus they brought gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11b). At His return they will bring gold and frankincense (Isaiah 60:6). There will be no myrrh with them then, because myrrh speaks of the suffering and dying of the Lord Jesus and that is accomplished.

The second question concerns the revelation of His power toward their enemies. They ask Him to “rebuke the beasts in the reeds” (Psalms 68:30). By the beasts they mean the nations and possibly the Egyptians in particular (cf. Ezekiel 32:2a). “The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples” represents the oppressors and misleaders of the peoples or tribes of apostate Israel (cf. Psalms 22:12).

The leader of apostate Israel, the antichrist, submits himself with “pieces of silver” to the nations. He buys the favor of God-hostile nations (Europe) to oppose the disciplinary rod of God (Assyria). But in faith the psalmist sees the victory of God: “He has scattered the peoples who delight in war.” All the armies that have gathered and find joy in war against God and His people are scattered by Him like chaff in the wind. He drives them out and exterminates them.

God will judge the rebellious nations. A remnant from those nations will come to His dwelling place in Jerusalem. There will “envoys come out of Egypt” to bow down to the true God, the God of Israel (Psalms 68:31; Isaiah 19:20-22). “Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God” (cf. Isaiah 45:14). This means that they will do what they need to do quickly: Begging Him to spare them. This is what stretching out their hands to Him speaks of.

Psalms 98:9

The Majesty and Strength of God

The “kingdoms of the earth” that were spared from the judgments are called to “sing to God” (Psalms 68:32). Here we see the “great multitude which no one could count” (Revelation 7:9-17). They are to sing “praises to the Lord”. It is He who “rides upon the highest heavens” (Psalms 68:33; cf. Deuteronomy 33:26). It represents in an unparalleled way His majesty from eternity and everywhere in the heavens. He is the unlimited Lord of the universe which cannot contain Him, but which He spans (1 Kings 8:27).

This He expresses with His voice: “He speaks forth with His voice, a mighty voice.” He reveals Himself in His speaking. We hear it in nature through thunder. We hear it in His Word spoken by His prophets, and “in these last days” we hear Him speak “in [His] Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The subject of the praise of the subjected nations must be God’s sovereign power (Psalms 68:34). He has displayed His majesty over Israel. He has chosen this people to be His people. Therefore, the countless enemies who have sought to wipe this people off the face of the earth through all ages have not succeeded in their goal. God has preserved His people for Himself. Now He makes them the center of blessing for the earth because He dwells in the midst of them.

His strength which He has shown in their protection is the same power with which He governs the clouds [skies is literally clouds]. He rides on them as on a chariot. He sends rain from there upon the earth, whereby He can accompany the rain with dazzling lightning and deafening thunder. He reveals Himself in blessing for His people and in judgment for His enemies.