Psalm 98:4

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth--let your cry ring out, and sing praises!

Study Bible

Make a joyful noise to the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the act of worship through sound, highlighting the importance of expressing joy and reverence to God. In biblical times, joyful noise often included singing, shouting, and playing musical instruments, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:5 when David and the Israelites celebrated before the LORD with all kinds of instruments. The call to make a joyful noise is not limited to a specific group but is a universal invitation, reflecting the inclusivity of worship. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of worship as a communal and expressive act, as seen in Psalm 100:1-2.

All the earth
This phrase underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty and the call for all creation to worship Him. It reflects the biblical theme of God's dominion over the entire earth, as seen in Psalm 24:1, which states, "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it." The inclusion of "all the earth" suggests that worship is not confined to Israel but extends to all nations and peoples, foreshadowing the New Testament revelation of the gospel's reach to the Gentiles, as seen in Matthew 28:19.

Break forth—let your cry ring out
The imagery of breaking forth suggests an overwhelming, spontaneous outburst of praise, akin to a dam bursting. This expression of worship is not restrained but is an exuberant and heartfelt response to God's greatness. The idea of a cry ringing out connects to the biblical tradition of shouting in victory or celebration, as seen in Joshua 6:5 when the Israelites shouted and the walls of Jericho fell. This phrase captures the intensity and sincerity of worship that is expected from believers.

And sing praises!
Singing praises is a central element of worship throughout the Bible, reflecting both personal devotion and communal celebration. The act of singing is a way to recount God's deeds, express gratitude, and declare His attributes. In the context of the Psalms, singing is often accompanied by musical instruments, as seen in Psalm 150. This phrase also points to the prophetic vision of eternal worship in Revelation 5:9, where the redeemed sing a new song before the throne of God, highlighting the continuity of worship from the Old Testament to the eschatological future.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, Yahweh is the covenant God of Israel, deserving of worship and praise.

2. All the Earth
This phrase indicates the universal call to worship, emphasizing that all creation is invited to praise God.

3. Psalmist
The author of the psalm, traditionally attributed to David, who calls for a global expression of joy and praise.

4. Worship Event
The act of making a joyful noise and singing praises, which is a communal and celebratory event.

5. Creation
The broader context of the earth and its inhabitants, all of whom are called to participate in this act of worship.

Teaching Points

Universal Call to Worship
The call to make a joyful noise is not limited to a specific group but extends to all the earth, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's invitation to worship.

Joyful Expression
Worship is not merely a duty but a joyful expression of gratitude and reverence for God. It involves both the heart and the voice.

Active Participation
The terms "break forth" and "let your cry ring out" suggest an active and enthusiastic participation in worship, encouraging believers to engage fully.

Praise as Witness
Our joyful worship serves as a testimony to others about the greatness and goodness of God, inviting them to join in the praise.

Creation's Role in Worship
The inclusion of "all the earth" highlights that all of creation is designed to reflect God's glory, reminding us of our role as stewards of creation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the call to "make a joyful noise" challenge your current approach to worship?

2. In what ways can you incorporate more joy and enthusiasm into your personal and communal worship experiences?

3. How does understanding the universal call to worship in Psalm 98:4 influence your view of evangelism and mission?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt particularly joyful in worship. What contributed to that experience, and how can you recreate it?

5. How can the concept of creation joining in worship inspire you to care for the environment and see it as part of God's praise?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 100
This psalm also calls for joyful noise and worship, emphasizing the gladness and thanksgiving due to God.

Isaiah 42:10-12
These verses call for a new song to the Lord, highlighting the global scope of worship.

Revelation 5:13
This passage envisions all creation praising God, echoing the universal call in Psalm 98:4.

Philippians 4:4
Paul encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, aligning with the theme of joyful worship.

1 Chronicles 16:23-24
These verses call for declaring God's glory among the nations, similar to the universal call in Psalm 98:4.