How does Psalm 98:4 connect with New Testament teachings on joyful praise? The Old Testament Call: Psalm 98:4 “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; burst into jubilant song with music.” • The verse issues a universal summons—“all the earth”—to erupt in loud, exuberant celebration of the Lord. • Joy is not optional or subdued; it is noisy, musical, and contagious. • This enthusiasm sets the stage for New Testament fulfillment, where the same God invites the same kind of praise through Christ. Jesus Receives the Same Praise • Luke 19:37-40—As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, “the whole multitude of disciples began to rejoice and praise God in loud voices.” When the Pharisees demand silence, Jesus answers, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” • The Psalm’s command for creation to shout finds a literal echo; even inanimate creation would join the chorus if human voices failed. • Matthew 21:15-16—Children in the temple cry “Hosanna,” and Jesus cites Psalm 8:2, affirming childlike, exuberant praise as God-ordained. Commands to Rejoice Continually • Philippians 4:4—“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” • 1 Thessalonians 5:16—“Rejoice always.” • These verses pick up Psalm 98:4’s tone of perpetual, audible gladness and place it at the core of daily Christian life. Singing that Springs from the Gospel • Ephesians 5:19—“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord.” • Colossians 3:16—“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God.” • The Psalms themselves (including Psalm 98) become the songbook of the church, carried forward in Spirit-filled worship. Praise as Sacrifice and Witness • Hebrews 13:15—“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” • Psalm 98:4’s jubilant noise is now framed as a continual “sacrifice,” flowing from redemption accomplished by Christ. A Global and Cosmic Chorus • Revelation 5:9—A song rings out to the Lamb: “You redeemed for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” • Revelation 19:1-6—“A great multitude in heaven cried out… ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.’” • The Psalm’s “all the earth” blossoms into a heavenly multitude, fulfilling the prophetic vision of universal praise. Practical Takeaways for Today • Let volume and enthusiasm honor God—silence is not the default when we grasp His salvation. • Root joyful praise in Scripture; sing the Psalms and let New Testament truths fuel your voice. • Remember that praising Christ aligns you with heaven’s present worship and creation’s future song. • Encourage one another by making music together, fulfilling Ephesians 5:19 and echoing Psalm 98:4’s call. |
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