All people are invited to proclaim God’s sovereign rule with gladness and make every act of praise resound with unrestrained joy.
“With trumpets and the sound of the horn Shout joyfully before the King, the LORD.” (v.6) beckons all who hear to offer exuberant, musical praise to God. Trumpets and the horn (often a ram’s horn known as a shofar) were distinctive instruments used in ancient Israel’s worship, signifying both celebration and a call to attention for the majesty of the LORD. By summoning God’s people to shout joyfully, the psalm underscores that praise ought not to be timid or reserved—it should be a heartfelt proclamation of God’s reign over all creation. In ancient Israel, these instruments carried special significance in ceremonies, announcing new beginnings and honoring God’s covenantal faithfulness (Leviticus 25:9).
When the psalmist refers to “before the King, the LORD”, it highlights the covenant God of Israel as the supreme Ruler, placing Him in the same royal position that a king occupies over a nation. In the broader historical timeline, Israel’s worship included musical expressions dating back to the days of Moses (circa 15th-13th century BC), continuing through the reigns of David (circa 1010-970 BC) and Solomon (circa 970-931 BC). Scripture shows the consistent theme of approaching God with joyous reverence, culminating in the New Testament’s call to believers to sing psalms and spiritual songs as part of worship (Ephesians 5:19). This continuity reminds us that God’s worthiness to receive triumphant music has never changed.
Through its dynamic language, “With trumpets and the sound of the horn…” (v.6) also foreshadows the ultimate celebration of God’s reign in Christ Jesus, whom the New Testament proclaims as the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). Just as the Israelites played trumpets to exalt the LORD, Christians are called to lift their voices and hearts to worship the eternal King who brought salvation to all people. In this way, the verse connects the praises of ancient Israel to the praises of believers today, linking Old Covenant worship to the joyful anthem of the universal Church.
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Psalms 98:6 meaning
“With trumpets and the sound of the horn Shout joyfully before the King, the LORD.” (v.6) beckons all who hear to offer exuberant, musical praise to God. Trumpets and the horn (often a ram’s horn known as a shofar) were distinctive instruments used in ancient Israel’s worship, signifying both celebration and a call to attention for the majesty of the LORD. By summoning God’s people to shout joyfully, the psalm underscores that praise ought not to be timid or reserved—it should be a heartfelt proclamation of God’s reign over all creation. In ancient Israel, these instruments carried special significance in ceremonies, announcing new beginnings and honoring God’s covenantal faithfulness (Leviticus 25:9).
When the psalmist refers to “before the King, the LORD”, it highlights the covenant God of Israel as the supreme Ruler, placing Him in the same royal position that a king occupies over a nation. In the broader historical timeline, Israel’s worship included musical expressions dating back to the days of Moses (circa 15th-13th century BC), continuing through the reigns of David (circa 1010-970 BC) and Solomon (circa 970-931 BC). Scripture shows the consistent theme of approaching God with joyous reverence, culminating in the New Testament’s call to believers to sing psalms and spiritual songs as part of worship (Ephesians 5:19). This continuity reminds us that God’s worthiness to receive triumphant music has never changed.
Through its dynamic language, “With trumpets and the sound of the horn…” (v.6) also foreshadows the ultimate celebration of God’s reign in Christ Jesus, whom the New Testament proclaims as the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). Just as the Israelites played trumpets to exalt the LORD, Christians are called to lift their voices and hearts to worship the eternal King who brought salvation to all people. In this way, the verse connects the praises of ancient Israel to the praises of believers today, linking Old Covenant worship to the joyful anthem of the universal Church.