Psalm 98:6

With trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Study Bible

With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn
The use of trumpets and the ram's horn, or shofar, in ancient Israel was significant in both religious and cultural contexts. Trumpets were often used in worship, signaling important events, and in warfare. The shofar, made from a ram's horn, was particularly associated with sacred occasions, such as the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24) and the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:9). The sound of the shofar was a call to worship and a reminder of God's presence and power. In the context of Psalm 98, these instruments symbolize a call to celebrate and acknowledge God's sovereignty and victory.

shout for joy before the LORD, the King
The act of shouting for joy is a common expression of worship and celebration in the Psalms. It reflects a spontaneous and exuberant response to God's mighty acts and His kingship. The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes the presence of God as the central focus of worship. The title "the King" underscores God's supreme authority and rule over all creation. This acknowledgment of God as King is a recurring theme in the Psalms and is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 47:7-8, which proclaims God as the King of all the earth. This phrase also points to the messianic expectation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate King, fulfilling the prophecies of a coming ruler from the line of David (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The central figure in this verse, representing God as the sovereign King deserving of worship and praise.

2. Trumpets and Horn
Instruments used in ancient Israel for signaling, celebration, and worship, symbolizing the call to praise God with joy.

3. The People of Israel
The implied participants in the act of worship, representing the community of believers called to praise God.

4. The King
A title for God, emphasizing His authority, majesty, and rightful place as ruler over all creation.

5. The Act of Worship
The event of communal praise and celebration before God, highlighting the joy and reverence due to Him.

Teaching Points

Joyful Worship
Worship should be characterized by joy and celebration, reflecting the greatness and majesty of God.

God's Sovereignty
Recognize and honor God as the ultimate King, whose authority extends over all creation.

Communal Praise
Engage in corporate worship, understanding the importance of coming together as a community to honor God.

Symbolism of Instruments
Appreciate the role of music and instruments in worship as a means to express reverence and joy before God.

Anticipation of God's Kingdom
Live with the hope and expectation of God's eternal reign, as symbolized by the trumpet's call.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of trumpets and horns in Psalm 98:6 enhance our understanding of worship in ancient Israel?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the joy and celebration described in this verse into our modern worship practices?

3. How does recognizing God as "the King" influence our daily lives and decisions?

4. What are some practical ways we can engage in communal worship that reflects the themes of joy and reverence found in this Psalm?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Revelation 11:15, deepen our understanding of God's eternal kingship and our response to it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 19:16-19
The use of trumpets at Mount Sinai when God descended, illustrating the awe and reverence associated with God's presence.

1 Chronicles 15:28
The use of musical instruments, including trumpets, in bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, showing the joy and celebration in worship.

Revelation 11:15
The sounding of the seventh trumpet, proclaiming the kingdom of the world becoming the kingdom of our Lord, connecting the theme of God's eternal kingship.

Psalm 47:5
The imagery of God ascending with a shout and the sound of a trumpet, reinforcing the theme of divine kingship and victory.

Numbers 10:10
The use of trumpets in times of rejoicing and appointed feasts, linking the act of worship with communal celebration and remembrance.