Psalm 98:2 (ESV)

2 The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.

Two Hebrew words in this verse demand our special attention. First of all, jesua’, which means saving help. This is about God’s help that brings lasting benefits, as he makes room for us (Genesis 26:22). The name of our Saviour Jesus already shines here! (Matthew 1:21).

The second word sêdêq shows justice that does good. There really will be a wholesome order again. You can count on it, certainly as it concerns God’s righteousness. That is also exactly what the author of Psalm 119:40 means, Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life! (compare with Psalm 143:1). The apostle Paul understood this when he wrote in Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

God views things broadly, with his justice. He desires that many, even all peoples may embrace this and that they would become enthusiastic about this. After all, that was God’s plan, already with Abram. He chose this man and said, In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 12:3). From this gospel (a word that comes from the Greek word euaggelion, meaning good, happy news) you start to sing joyfully.