What is the meaning of Psalm 98:2? The LORD has proclaimed Psalm 98:2 opens with divine initiative: “The LORD has proclaimed.” • God is not waiting for humanity to guess at His plan; He declares it openly, just as He “declares the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10). • This public proclamation echoes Isaiah 45:22, where He urges, “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.” • The same active voice appears in Isaiah 52:10, “The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations,” showing that proclamation and action are inseparable for Him. His salvation What He proclaims is “His salvation.” • Salvation is God’s work from start to finish (Jonah 2:9; Acts 4:12). • Isaiah 49:6 foretells this worldwide rescue, and Luke 2:30-31 records Simeon rejoicing that he has “seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people.” • Ultimately this salvation is embodied in Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:19). and revealed The verse next says God “revealed” what He has proclaimed. • Revelation removes the veil; nothing is hidden about His plan (Deuteronomy 29:29). • Hebrews 1:1-2 affirms that God spoke through the prophets and “in these last days has spoken to us by His Son.” • 2 Timothy 1:9-10 adds that grace “has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus,” underscoring that revelation centers on a Person, not merely information. His righteousness Along with salvation, God unveils “His righteousness.” • Psalm 97:6 says, “The heavens proclaim His righteousness,” linking creation’s witness to His moral perfection. • Romans 3:21-22 explains that “a righteousness of God has been revealed… through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe,” showing how sinners receive what God reveals. • 2 Corinthians 5:21 highlights the exchange: He made Christ “to be sin for us… so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” to the nations Finally, the audience is “the nations.” • From the outset God promised Abraham, “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). • Isaiah 49:6 declares the Servant “a light for the nations.” • Jesus commands, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), and Acts 13:47 applies Isaiah’s prophecy to the church’s mission. • Revelation 7:9 pictures the fulfillment: every nation, tribe, people, and language celebrating the salvation and righteousness God has made known. summary Psalm 98:2 celebrates a God who speaks and acts: He Himself proclaims, uncovers, and shares His saving work and perfect righteousness. Both gifts are centered in Christ and are offered indiscriminately “to the nations,” inviting every person to trust the One who has made His plan unmistakably clear. |
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