Scripture
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
Reflection
In this psalm, the psalmists call on Israel to sing a new song to the Lord. The concept of a ‘new song’ occurs elsewhere in the Psalms (33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 144:9; 149:1), as well as Isaiah (42:10) and the book of Revelation (5:9; 14:3). All of these examples are in the context of warfare. A new song is sung after God rescued Israel from a battle. Thus, in this case, the psalmist calls on Israel to sing a new song to God because He has made a way for Israel to be saved through God’s promise to Abraham and subsequently the whole earth.
We see this idea of salvific redemption progressing from Israel, to all peoples, to finally the whole earth/cosmos in this psalm. In the first stanza (vv. 1–3), the psalmist calls on Israel to praise the Lord. In the second stanza (vv. 4–6), the psalmist broadens the circle of praise to include all the inhabitants. Finally, in the third stanza (vv. 7–9), the psalmist for a third time broadens the call to praise God to include even the inanimate creation (rivers, mountains). Thus, everyone and everything should/will celebrate God as king, victor and judge.
Thoughts for the day
- • How thankful are you for the victory God secured on the cross for you through Jesus?
• How do you plan on sharing this amazing good news with others?
Prayer
Invite the Holy Spirit to be present as you spend a moment in silence; Give thanks for one thing that you’re grateful for right now, and use it to reflect on the goodness of God; Bring to God one thing that’s on your mind right now, and lift it before Him; Devote the remainder of your day to Jesus.
