READ IT! - Introduction to Psalms 92-98

Readings for this week

Monday: Psalm 92
Tuesday: Psalm 93
Wednesday: Psalm 94
Thursday: Psalm 95
Friday: Psalm 96
Saturday: Psalm 97
Sunday: Psalm 98

Introduction to Psalms 92-98

Psalm 92 

The introduction to this psalm indicates that it was to be sung on Sabbath days.

The writer says, “It is good to give thanks to the LORD. How great are your works! Your enemies shall perish. The righteous flourish in your courts.” 

Psalm 93 

Psalm 93 is the first of the “Royal Psalms” (Psalms 93-99), praising God as the King of His people. 

The writer says, “The LORD reigns! Your throne is established from of old. The LORD is mightier than the sea. Holiness adorns your house forever.” 

Psalm 94 

The psalmist writes, “O LORD, God of vengeance, shine forth! How long will the wicked exult? The LORD will not reject his people. He will repay the corrupt.”

Psalm 95 

Psalm 95 is one of the “Royal Psalms” (Psalm 93-99) praising God as the King of His people. Psalm 95 identifies no author, but Hebrews 4:7 attributes it to David. 

The writer says, “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! He is the King above all gods. Oh come, let us worship and bow down! Do not harden your hearts.” 

The ancient Near Eastern world had different gods for different peoples, different geographical areas, different cosmic regions (heaven, Earth, the netherworld) and different aspects of life (e.g., war, fertility, crafts). But Israel was to praise the Lord because he is above all other gods; there is no corner of the universe that is beyond the scope of his control. 

Psalm 96 

The psalmist writes, “Sing to the LORD! Declare his glory among the nations. Worship the LORD in holy splendor. He will judge the world in righteousness.”

The Old Testament writers viewed the world order as one, embracing both its physical and moral aspects because both were established by God as components of his one kingdom, and both are upheld by his one rule. Therefore God’s rule over creation and over the affairs of humankind is often spoken of in one breath. 

Psalm 97

The psalmist says, “The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice! Fire goes before him. The heavens declare his righteousness. Give thanks to his holy name!” 

Psalm 98 

The psalmist says, “Sing to the LORD! He has remembered his steadfast love. Make a joyful noise before the King. He will judge the world in righteousness.”

Psalm 98 instructs worshipers to offer joyful praise music to the Lord, using not only their voices but also various instruments. The Hebrew word translated “ram’s horn” here is shofar. This instrument belongs to a class known as aerophones, which produce a sound when air is passed through them. 

The shofar was blown in several contexts: 

The blast of the horn summoned warriors to battle and signaled the beginning of an attack. When the Israelites marched around Jericho for the seventh time, they were instructed to blow ram’s horns. 

Te shofar summoned worshipers to Jerusalem. 

It was blown by watchmen to announce important news, whether celebratory or disastrous. 

It was used during coronation ceremonies, such as Solomon’s and Jehu’s. 

Te shofar was sounded on holy occasions such as: 

The Day of Atonement during the Year of Jubilee. 

David’s return of the ark to Jerusalem. 

The covenant renewal ceremony during Asa’s religious reforms. 

Regular temple worship.