Shout for joy before the Lord, the King (Ps. 98:6)
Expanded Passage: Psalms 98:4-6
The Haitian National Palace Brass Band is comprised of highly talented musicians who can easily read and perform scores. These instrumentalists are often called upon to play on many special occasions, mainly when the newly elected President of the Republic is taking office. Whether the musicians voted for or against the new president in power, they must pay tribute to him on this day and in any subsequent official instances. This practice has become so ingrained in the Haitian popular malice that the term “palace musicians” describes anyone obliged to honor someone else, whether that person is on their side or not.
The author of Psalms 98 seemed to be familiar with the environment of a royal palace, complete with at least a brass band and palace musicians. With a burst of energy overflowing his whole being, he summons the entire earth to shout for joy and let it burst forth. To do this, they are called to sing jubilant hymns before the Lord, the King, using musical instruments.
Just as the Haitian National Palace orchestra musicians must honor the current president, whether they voted for or against him, so must we consider ourselves God’s palace musicians and give the Lord, the King, all due honor.
Give all due honor to the Lord, the King.
Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing a master of divinity at Wesley Seminary (IN). He is married to Johane and has three children.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
