Psalms 98:6

Authorized King James Version

With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּ֭חֲצֹ֣צְרוֹת
With trumpets
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
#2
וְק֣וֹל
and sound
a voice or sound
#3
שׁוֹפָ֑ר
of cornet
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
#4
הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ
make a joyful noise
to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)
#5
לִפְנֵ֤י׀
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
הַמֶּ֬לֶךְ
the King
a king
#7
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection