Bible Strands
Psalms 98:8
Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses the created order, commanding natural elements to participate in worship. This occurs within a hymn that frames God's deliverance and imminent judgment of the earth.
The words — The imperative יִמְחֲאוּ (yim.cha.'u) means "let them clap," paired with כָף (kaf), literally "palm." The adverb יַחַד (yachad) specifies that the mountains sing "together."
The thread — This motif of creation rejoicing before God appears in Isaiah 55:12, where hills burst into song, and in Psalms 65:12 and 89:12, where hills and mountains robe themselves or shout for joy at His name.
Why it lands — The text commands rivers and mountains to clap and sing, treating inanimate nature as a conscious witness. It requires the reader to acknowledge that all of reality is summoned to recognize God's righteous judgment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
Cross-references
- Isaiah 55:12 You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
- Psalms 65:12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow; the hills are robed with joy.
- Psalms 89:12 North and south You created; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name.
- Psalms 47:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph.
- Psalms 93:3 The floodwaters have risen, O LORD; the rivers have raised their voice; the seas lift up their pounding waves.
- 2 Kings 11:12 Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”