Psalms 98:9

Authorized King James Version

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִ֥פְֽנֵי
H6440
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
#2
יְהוָ֗ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
בָא֮
H935
for he cometh
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#5
יִשְׁפֹּֽט
H8199
shall he judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#6
הָ֫אָ֥רֶץ
H776
the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
יִשְׁפֹּֽט
H8199
shall he judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#8
תֵּבֵ֥ל
H8398
the world
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
#9
בְּצֶ֑דֶק
H6664
with righteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#10
וְ֝עַמִּ֗ים
H5971
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
בְּמֵישָׁרִֽים׃
H4339
with equity
evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection