Psalms 98:6
With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
Original Language Analysis
בַּ֭חֲצֹ֣צְרוֹת
With trumpets
H2689
בַּ֭חֲצֹ֣צְרוֹת
With trumpets
Strong's:
H2689
Word #:
1 of 7
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ
make a joyful noise
H7321
הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ
make a joyful noise
Strong's:
H7321
Word #:
4 of 7
to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)
Cross References
Revelation 19:16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.2 Chronicles 29:27And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel.2 Chronicles 15:14And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.
Historical Context
Temple worship featured silver trumpets blown by Aaronic priests (2 Chronicles 5:12-13). The shofar announced new moons, jubilee years, and military victories. This verse reflects Israel's festal assemblies where both instruments heralded God's kingly presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging 'the LORD, the King' change the nature of our worship from entertainment to royal audience?
- What would it look like to combine reverent order with joyful exuberance in your worship?
- In what ways is Christ both our Priest (trumpet) and King (shofar)?
Analysis & Commentary
With trumpets and sound of cornet (בַּחֲצֹצְרוֹת וְקוֹל שׁוֹפָר, bakhatzotzerot veqol shofar)—two distinct instruments: the silver chatzotzrah (trumpet) used by priests for temple rituals (Numbers 10:2), and the ram's horn shofar used for festivals, warfare, and coronations. Together they represent priestly ministry and royal authority.
Make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King (הָרִיעוּ לִפְנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ יְהוָה, hariu lifnei hamelekh YHWH)—hariu means to shout triumphantly, to sound the battle cry of victory. This is not quiet reverence but exuberant celebration before the LORD, the King. The royal title hamelekh YHWH (the King, Yahweh) recalls the psalm's enthronement theme.
The combination of priestly trumpets and royal shofar, liturgical instruments and victory shouts, shows worship encompasses both ordered reverence and unrestrained joy. Christ unites both: our great High Priest and conquering King.