“Joy to the World” is Isaac Watts’s Christian interpretation of the closing movement of Psalm 98: a summons for the whole earth to rejoice before the Lord who comes as King and righteous judge.
Hymns Based on Psalm 98:4
Christian hymns and worship songs connected to Psalm 98:4
"Make a joyful noise to Yahweh, all the earth! Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises! Sing praises to Yahweh with the harp, with the harp and the voice of melody. With trumpets and sound of the ram’s horn, make a joyful noise before the King, Yahweh."
— Psalm 98:4
Theological Significance
This verse has inspired Christian hymns that explore themes of Joy, Adoration, Christmas, Incarnation, Kingship of Christ. Many worship songs connected to Psalm 98:4 proclaim these timeless biblical truths and invite believers to reflect on and celebrate the message of this scripture.
Sermon Themes from This Passage
- Joy
- Adoration
- Christmas
- Incarnation
- Kingship of Christ
Suggested Hymns for Worship
Opening Hymn
On This Day Earth Shall Ring
Response Hymn
Joy to the World
Example Worship Flow
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1
Call to Worship Psalm 100
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2
Opening Hymn On This Day Earth Shall Ring
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3
Scripture Reading Psalm 98:4
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4
Sermon Joy
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5
Response Hymn Joy to the World
Hymns Inspired by This Passage
This hymn is a sustained act of Christian praise in which joy arises from God's character, gifts, forgiveness, and rule rather than from favorable circumstances alone.
On This Day Earth Shall Ring is an English Christmas paraphrase of the medieval Latin carol Personent hodie.
“Shout to the Lord” is a contemporary worship song that moves from personal devotion to a vision of creation-wide praise.