What is the meaning of Psalm 98:5?

Sing praises

- “Sing praises” is an explicit command, not a suggestion. Worship is the rightful response to God’s mighty salvation (Psalm 98:1-3).

- Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to lift their voices: “Sing to Him, sing praises to Him” (Psalm 105:2); “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19).

- Vocal praise unites believers in declaring God’s deeds and delights His heart (Psalm 22:3).

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to the LORD

- The focus is the covenant God, “the LORD,” who alone deserves glory (Psalm 115:1).

- This personal name reminds us of His faithfulness—“Know that the LORD is God” (Psalm 100:3).

- Praising Him centers our hearts on His character: holy (Isaiah 6:3), loving (1 John 4:8), and sovereign (Revelation 4:11).

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with the lyre

- Instruments enrich worship. “Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre” (Psalm 33:2).

- The lyre, a familiar stringed instrument, encourages skillful, thoughtful accompaniment (Psalm 92:3).

- God welcomes creative expression when it magnifies Him (2 Samuel 6:5).

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in melodious song

- “Melodious” points to beauty and order, reflecting God’s own nature (1 Corinthians 14:33).

- Heartfelt, harmonious singing pleases the Lord: “For it is good to sing praises to our God, for praise is pleasant and lovely” (Psalm 147:1).

- Such music teaches and encourages the saints (Colossians 3:16).

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with the harp

- The harp joins the lyre, showing variety in worship tools (Psalm 150:3-5).

- Harps accompany scenes of heavenly praise: “The twenty-four elders… each held a harp” (Revelation 5:8).

- Multiple instruments signal exuberant celebration of God’s reign (Psalm 149:2-3).

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summary

Psalm 98:5 calls every believer to wholehearted, artful, and joyful worship. Using voice and instruments, we exalt the covenant LORD, celebrating His salvation and kingship with beauty, harmony, and glad obedience.