The Bible Says
Psalm 98:7-9 Meaning

The psalmist encourages all creation to join in an anthem of praise, declaring, Let the sea roar and all it contains, The world and those who dwell in it (v. 7). By calling upon the sea — an expansive body of water stretching across the earth — Psalm 98:7-9 captures the global scope of worship. Ancient Israel, witnessing the vast Mediterranean as well as smaller seas like the Sea of Galilee, recognized these waters as majestic and powerful. Their roaring was to be turned into a symphony of praise for the God who made them.

The reference to the world and those who dwell in it elevates the invitation to all humanity, not just a single people group. This universal invitation underscores that the same God who created the waters has fashioned every nation and person. All are called to respond with joy rather than indifference, shaping our understanding that praise is an all-encompassing posture of the heart.

The exuberance of the sea roaring points to the fullness of creation’s celebration. When human voices blend with natural expressions — like the crashing of ocean waves — something deeply resonant emerges. This unifying clamor echoes the overarching theme in Scripture that every corner of creation serves to honor the Creator (Romans 1:20). As the psalm continues, it expands beyond the seas to include more features of nature.

An even more vivid picture of nature’s celebration is seen in the words, Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy (v. 8). Rivers were crucial in biblical times for sustaining life, travel, and commerce. Their clap, a poetic image of rushing waters, symbolizes enthusiastic applause. The mountains — often sturdy and immovable — are here personified as rejoicing in unison.

These earthly wonders amplify the idea that everything made has a role in heralding God’s greatness. The rivers, flowing from their sources to the seas, mirror the constant stream of praise owed to the Lord. Meanwhile, the mountains, towering over valleys and plains, stand as pillars of testimony that point our eyes upward to the heavens.

Such poetic language invites us to see that no part of creation is too ordinary or mundane to offer praise. All terrain, from the smallest creek to the highest summit, bears silent witness to the Lord’s artistry. Their colorful portrayal as active participants in worship has resonated with followers of God throughout history, reminding us to live in continual adoration of Him (Luke 19:37-40).

Finally, this jubilant proclamation points to a decisive reason for all this celebration, as the psalm states, Before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness And the peoples with equity (v. 9). This forthcoming judgment is not a cause for dread to those who trust in God’s goodness; rather, it sparks hope and rejoicing. His judgment is characterized by justice and fairness, revealing a King who always does what is right.

In ancient Israel, the promise that God would come to set things right was deeply comforting. While earthly leaders and rulers often had flawed judgment, the Lord’s verdict would be impartial. This glimpse of His righteous nature resonates with the New Testament’s vision of Jesus returning to judge the living and the dead (John 5:22, Revelation 19:11). Every act of divine justice is an extension of His perfect character.

When seen through this lens, the call for universal praise becomes inseparable from the promise of righteous judgment. All creation, awaiting freedom from corruption, looks forward to the day when God’s reign is fully realized (to see how everything God made awaits renewal and deliverance from decay under His righteous reign, please read our commentary on Romans 8:19-22). This is a day when every hurting soul experiences justice, and every hidden wound is brought to restoration, causing both nature and humanity to rejoice in the Lord’s uprightness.