14: Eschatology in the Psalms [Excerpt]

“O sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. The LORD has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.” (Psalm 98:1-2)

Much of the book of Psalms is easy for us to relate to, with many insights into the prayers and heart of the worshipper, the penitent, the thankful and the troubled believer. It is also an area of the Bible’s beautiful garden where many prophetic treasures lay hidden, just below the surface. Psalm 98, for example, prophetically celebrates the victory of the LORD on behalf of Israel in the sight of the Gentile nations. We read of the resultant musical praise and worship. This scene will occur at the return of Jesus, when the LORD will be coming to “judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.”

We are considering a very delicate subject. Our generation recoils from warfare, bloodshed, and revenge. Praising the Lord for the eventual defeat of His enemies may not be something which comes naturally to us. There is a lesson provided in the book of Revelation which helps us to adjust to such a concept. We see there what will happen when Babylon is burned with fire and destroyed. There will be enormous joy in heaven.[1] The twenty-four elders, the four living creatures, and a great multitude will rejoice at the judgement of the harlot Babylon. They will give thanks to God for avenging the murder of His servants. It will be difficult for us to get to grips with the subject of Israel’s future, if we are squeamish and sentimental...

[1] Revelation 19:1-6

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