Psalms – Chapter 98

Old Testament • 9 Verses

Chapter Summary

"A psalm for David himself. The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry: he that sitteth on the cherubims: let the earth be moved." — so begins Psalms 98. The chapter centers on Samuel, Aaron and David. Across its 9 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and holiness. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1A psalm for David himself. The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry: he that sitteth on the cherubims: let the earth be moved.

2The Lord is great in Sion, and high above all people.

3Let them give praise to thy great name: for it is terrible and holy:

4And the king's honour loveth judgment. Thou hast prepared directions: thou hast done judgment and justice in Jacob.

5Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore his footstool, for it is holy.

6Moses and Aaron among his priests: and Samuel among them that call upon his name. They called upon the Lord, and he heard them:

7He spoke to them in the pillar of the cloud. They kept his testimonies, and the commandment which he gave them.

8Thou didst hear them, O Lord our God: thou wast a merciful God to them, and taking vengeance on all their inventions.

9Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore at his holy mountain: for the Lord our God is holy.

Important Verses in Psalms 98

“A psalm for David himself. The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry: he that sitteth on the cherubims: let the earth be moved.”

Psalms 98:1

“Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore his footstool, for it is holy.”

Psalms 98:5

“Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore at his holy mountain: for the Lord our God is holy. ”

Psalms 98:9

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 98 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 9 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Samuel, Aaron, David and Jacob, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "A psalm for David himself. The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry: he that sitteth on the cherubims: let the…" The chapter ends with: "Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore at his holy mountain: for the Lord our God is holy. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 1: "A psalm for David himself. The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry: he that sitteth on the cherubims: let the earth be moved." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 98 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. John Damascene and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1032).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

Samuel1 mentionAaron1 mentionDavid1 mentionJacob1 mentionMoses1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 98, containing 9 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2340). Here the emphasis falls on living the Gospel in daily work, which shapes how the Church understands prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of living the Gospel in daily work bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 98 about?

Psalms 98 contains 9 verses. It opens with "A psalm for David himself. The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry: he that sitteth on the cherubims: let the…" and closes with "Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore at his holy mountain: for the Lord our God is holy. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 98?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "A psalm for David himself. The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry: he that sitteth on the cherubims: let the earth be moved." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 98?

This chapter mentions Samuel, Aaron, David, Jacob, Moses.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Sirach 45Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Samuel 12Shares people and themes with this chapterExodus 19Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Litany of the Saints🙏The Sanctus

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