Summary of Psalms 98:7

This verse calls upon the sea and all that is within it to respond in joy and praise to the Lord. The imagery of the roaring sea symbolizes the power of nature, while the mention of "the fullness thereof" highlights the abundance of life in the oceans, the world, and its inhabitants. It invites all creation to acknowledge God's majesty and sovereignty.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry: He emphasizes that this psalm is a call to worship from all of creation. The sea, a symbol of chaos, is depicted as roaring with praise, suggesting that even the natural elements recognize the greatness of God.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes points out that the verse reflects a theme of universal praise—showing that all parts of creation, including the sea and the world, are brought together in worship. He notes that the call to the sea might remind the faithful of God’s power displayed through nature.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke discusses the idea of the fullness of the sea representing abundance and diversity. Every creature that dwells within the sea is called to glory in God, showcasing the inclusiveness of His creation in worship.

Bible Verse Cross-References

This verse connects powerfully with various other biblical texts that underline themes of creation's worship and God's sovereignty.

• Isaiah 55:12: "For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." - This verse signifies the joy of creation as it praises the Creator.
• Psalm 96:11-12: "Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it." - A direct link emphasizing the roaring sea as part of creation rejoicing.
• Job 38:7: "When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" - This verse reflects the unity of creation in worship and acknowledgment of God's might.
• Psalm 148:7-10: "Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths… Wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds..." - Here, every aspect of nature is called to praise the Lord, similar to Psalms 98:7.
• Revelation 5:13: "And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'" - This shows the eternal acknowledgment and praise directed to God by all creation.
• Romans 8:19-22: "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed... the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth..." - Illustrating the yearning of creation for God's final redemption.
• Psalm 104:25-26: "There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro..." - The sea's depth and life echo the sentiments in Psalms 98:7.

Identifying Connections in the Scriptures

This verse serves as a beautiful illustration of the connections that exist within the Bible, demonstrating how themes of worship and the acknowledgment of God's authority permeate various texts.

• Connections between Psalms and Revelation: The action of all creation praising God spans both the Old and New Testaments, showing a thematic continuity.
• Thematic Bible Verse Connections: The celebratory tone of Psalms 98:7 can be correlated with the declarations in Isaiah and Revelation, where nature participates in God's redemptive narrative.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To explore the interconnectedness of Scripture, consider utilizing:

• Bible concordance to find keywords related to creation and praise.
• Bible cross-reference guides that help illuminate thematic parallels across various verses.
• Cross-reference Bible study methods which can enhance your understanding of scriptural interrelations.

Conclusion

Psalms 98:7 encourages the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty by the entire creation, unifying the themes of nature, worship, and divine authority. Through a careful exploration of related texts, we see how this verse intertwines with others, creating a beautiful tapestry of worship that spans throughout the Bible. By utilizing various tools for cross-referencing, believers can deepen their understanding of these connections and grow in their faith.