“O sing to the LORD a new song; for He has done marvelous things: His right hand, and His holy Arm, has gotten Him the victory.” – Psalm 98:1

Years ago, there was a popular praise song titled; ‘Yanwanira entalo zange’ (God is the one who fights my battles), which I really loved.  I could sing it all day.

I think the one who composed the song got the inspiration from 1 Samuel 17: 47 where the youthful David told the Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior; “The battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”

In 2 Chronicles 20:17; a prophet told the people who had been besieged by a mighty foreign army; “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’

In Moses song in Exodus 15:3, the Bible describes the LORD as “a Man of war.”

This was in response to a incredible miracle whereby the entire pursuing Egyptian army had been swallowed up by the Red Sea while the Children of Israel walked through it as if it was a road!

“Man of war” doesn’t imply that God is literally a soldier or engages in physical combat, rather; it metaphorically uses military language to describe God’s strength, His ability to overcome obstacles, and His role in guiding and defending His people.

“Sing a new song to the LORD; He has done wonderful things! By His own power and holy strength, He has won the victory.”

It reflects the historical and cultural understanding of the Lord our God as a Protector and Champion in times of conflict. For the nation of Israel, which often faced military threats, the notion of God as a ‘Warrior’ reassured them of divine support and victory in every battle they faced.

As a “Man of war,” God’s role is to battle against the forces of chaos, evil, and oppression, ensuring that His will and purpose for His people are fulfilled. By saying that “the battle belongs to the Lord,” the prophet was expressing faith that divine power would prevail over every foe, however powerful or formidable.

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty …” (1 Chronicles 29:11).

What this shows is that victory is one of the attributes of our God.

Our meditation today says; “O sing to the LORD a new song; for He has done marvelous things: His right hand, and His holy Arm, has gotten Him the victory.”

The Good News Bible says; “Sing a new song to the LORD; He has done wonderful things! By His own power and holy strength, He has won the victory.”

As the children of God through Christ, we don’t fight for victory, instead; we revel in Christ’s victory!

That is why we shudder when we hear some Christians endlessly lamenting that they’re engaged in ‘spiritual warfare.’

Biblically, our response to Christ’s work of victory should be worship, not endlessly engaging in “spiritual warfare” (see also Exodus 15:1).

We achieve more by celebrating the victory Christ has achieved. Indeed, praise and worship are our most formidable ‘weapons of war.’

For more on this subject, please read our earlier devotional titled ‘Victorious.’