Four times we are told in Scripture to “sing to the LORD a new song” (Psalm 96:1; 98:1; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10). Every song ever sung was new at some point. How many millions of songs of worship have been written in the span of human history? From those that have been published in hymnals, those that are recorded and shared on the internet around the world, and those that have only been shared between the LORD and the worshiper alone—that’s a lot of songs.
The contemplation on the extraordinary things that YHWH has done moves us to poetry, not just ordinary language that spews out of our mouths spontaneously, but carefully crafted lyrics that unite with a melody to create something of lasting truth and beauty.
A song can be spontaneous for sure, but the psalms are not. Each word was carefully chosen for its meaning, rhythm, and sound, the writing an act of worship itself. The motivation for such devotion is the artist’s reflection on what God has done. Let’s focus in on Psalm 98, and you’ll see what I mean. After telling us to sing a new song, Psalm 98:1 goes on to tell us why: “For he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”
These hand and arm metaphors for the actions of kings and gods are common in the ancient world. The right hand was the favored hand (80% of the world is right-handed so the left hand is the weaker one). The outstretched arm is a common pose seen in the statues of ancient kings and gods.
“The contemplation on the extraordinary things that YHWH has done moves us to poetry.”
While the psalmist in Psalm 98 was likely thinking of military conquest and deliverance from Israel’s enemies, God’s salvation was ultimately worked out by way of the outstretched arms of Jesus. The kingdom of God is an upside-down kingdom. Jesus won the ultimate victory by surrendering to the will of the Father, stretching out his hands to be nailed to a cross.
Psalm 98 parallels Isaiah 52-53 in many ways, suggesting common authorship or at least influence one way or the other. Because Isaiah 53 is connected with Jesus (Acts 8:32-35), it’s not a leap to suggest that this psalm points us to the work of YHWH on the cross in defeating sin and death, the gospel of salvation.
So never stop writing new songs to express the extraordinary things that God has done in Jesus the Messiah.
Are there any hints in this psalm as to what our new songs should be like? Or how we should sing them? The psalmist in Psalm 98 goes on to summon all of creation to join the song of salvation. The command in verse 4 is to “shout joyfully, raise a shout, blast it out with your mouths, and make some noise.”
“Never stop writing new songs to express the extraordinary thing that God has done in Jesus the Messiah.”
Texts like this are used (perhaps misused?) to suggest that corporate worship should be at a high volume. I don’t know about that, but it does make me think of a football stadium. We have one near us that claims the record of the highest decibels recorded at a stadium (142.2 dB). The excitement that fans share for their teams is an example of the kind of excitement that is possible in the human soul. I’m not saying that we should try to set decibel records in our corporate worship, but we could certainly express more excitement. The main takeaway that guests have at our churches is usually not, “These people are really excited!”
The command in verse 5 is to “sing praises.” This is literally “to psalm.” Note the accompaniment by stringed instruments common for the day: “Make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing” (NIV). This musical accompaniment seems to be inherent with the word “psalm.”
In other words, use your artistic and creative skills to enhance the power of the lyric with musical accompaniment. Craft arrangements and instrumentation that support the emotional impact of the words of the new song of salvation.
Psalm 98 adds to this the sound of trumpet blasts. Trumpets were used to call people to assembly. Their sound could be heard from a distance and so they were used for signaling, whether on the battlefield or for calling people to assemble. (Perhaps the countdown clock is the modern-day equivalent!?). Once again, we have the suggestion of a loud volume and a celebration. A trumpet blast stirs us. It calls us to assemble and to take action. It carries the message beyond the strength of the human voice.
“In other words, use your artistic and creative skills to enhance the power of the lyric with musical accompaniment.”
All of these acts of corporate worship—shouting, singing with musical accompaniment, and trumpeting—are done before the King, YHWH. “Shout for joy before the LORD, the King” (Psalm 98:6b, NIV). He is our audience. It’s tempting to think of the congregation as the audience that comes to listen to a talented worship team, but that is not accurate. We sing, play, and shout before the LORD. As a worship leader, this is essential to remember. Self-consciousness is the enemy of worship. Lose yourself in the crowd before the throne.
The expectation of “sing to the LORD a new song” is that God’s people will continually be creating new ways and words to express their worship. This is good and should be encouraged by the church, rather than simply resting in the works of creativity from decades past. There is value in singing old songs—that’s essentially what the Psalms are, very old songs—but we’re also frequently told to write and sing new stuff! After all, God’s goodness and greatness are so inexhaustible that there will forever be room for another song, and another, exploring and celebrating who God is and what he has done. Sing to the Lord a new song!
For more from Matt, check out mattstaffordpsalms.com. Used with permission.
