He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

PSALMS 98:3KJV
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Psalms 98:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 98:3 mean?

Psalms 98:3 says that God has remembered to show kindness and faithfulness to Israel, and as a result, people everywhere have witnessed God's saving power. The verse highlights both God's loyalty to His promises and the wide reach of His salvation.

The psalmist is speaking to the community of Israel, celebrating God's acts of mercy and truth toward them. The verse comes in a song of praise, where the writer is reflecting on God's faithfulness to His people and recognizing that what God has done for Israel has become visible to all nations, not just to Israel alone.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 98:3

  • "Mercy" (חֶסֶד, ḥesed) refers to steadfast love or loyal kindness. This word often points to God's committed, covenant love, emphasizing that God’s care for Israel is not just a passing feeling but a deep, ongoing commitment.
  • "Truth" (אֱמוּנָה, ’emunah) means faithfulness or reliability. Here, it highlights that God keeps His promises and can be trusted to do what He says.
  • "Salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshu‘ah) means deliverance or rescue. The verse says that this salvation is not hidden but has been seen by "all the ends of the earth," stressing its public and far-reaching impact.
  • "Ends" (אַפְסֵי, afsei) of the "earth" (אֶרֶץ, erets) together mean the most distant places. This shows that God's saving work for Israel is meant to be noticed by the whole world, not just a local event.

Why Psalms 98:3 matters

  • Psalms 98:3 clarifies that God's actions for Israel were never meant to be private; they were always intended to show His character to all nations.
  • The verse emphasizes that God's mercy and faithfulness are not just abstract qualities but are seen in real acts of deliverance.
  • This verse connects the story of Israel to a bigger picture, showing that what God does for one people can have significance for everyone, inviting all to recognize His saving power.

Where else these words appear

“ends” Hebrew H657 · used in 43 verses

  • Numbers 13:28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
  • Psalms 59:13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.
  • Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

“truth” Hebrew H530 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
  • Psalms 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
  • Psalms 119:138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

“salvation” Hebrew H3444 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:18 I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.
  • Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
  • Psalms 119:123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.