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

PSALMS 98:6KJV
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Psalms 98:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 98:6 mean?

Psalms 98:6 calls for people to celebrate God as King with loud, joyful music, using trumpets and a cornet to make a joyful noise before the LORD. The verse invites a public, enthusiastic expression of praise directed toward God, who is recognized as the true King.

The psalmist is speaking to the gathered community of worshipers, encouraging them to use musical instruments to honor God. This verse is part of a song celebrating God's kingship and mighty acts, urging everyone to join in a lively, communal celebration. The focus is on making worship visible and audible, showing reverence and joy before God’s presence.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 98:6

  • חֲצֹצְרוֹת (ḥăṣōṣərōṯ, "trumpets"): This word refers to long, straight trumpets often used in ancient Israel for ceremonial or religious occasions. Their use here highlights the formal, public nature of the celebration.
  • קוֹל (qōl, "sound"): This word means "voice" or "sound" and emphasizes the idea of a powerful, attention-grabbing noise, not just quiet music.
  • שׁוֹפָר (shōfar, "cornet"): The shofar is a ram’s horn, traditionally used in religious rituals and to signal important events. Its mention adds a sense of solemnity and tradition to the scene.
  • הָרִיעוּ (hāri‘ū, "make a joyful noise"): This verb often means to shout or raise a loud cry, especially in celebration or triumph. The idea is not just singing, but making a jubilant, unrestrained sound.
  • לִפְנֵי (liphnê, "before"): This word means "in the presence of," stressing that the celebration is directed toward God, who is present among the people.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, "LORD"): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring that the praise is for the God of Israel.
  • מֶלֶךְ (melekh, "King"): Calling God "King" highlights His authority and rule, a central theme of this psalm.

Why Psalms 98:6 matters

  • Psalms 98:6 clarifies that worship in ancient Israel was often loud, public, and involved musical instruments, not just quiet prayer or singing.
  • The verse highlights the idea of God as King, which is central to the whole psalm and connects to the larger biblical theme of God’s rule over all creation.
  • By mentioning both trumpets and the shofar, Psalms 98:6 shows the blending of formal ceremony and traditional religious practice in worship, inviting everyone to participate fully.

Where else these words appear

“trumpets” Hebrew H2689 · used in 27 verses

  • Numbers 10:2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:28 And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.

“noise” Hebrew H7321 · used in 42 verses

  • Numbers 10:7 But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:15 Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
  • Psalms 100:1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

“cornet” Hebrew H7782 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
  • 1 Samuel 13:3 And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
  • Isaiah 27:13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.