WORSHIP >> Adoration & Praise
SDAH 19
O sing a new song to the Lord
For marvels He has done;
His right hand and His holy arm
The victory have won.
Get the hymn sheet in other keys here
For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: O Sing a New Song to the Lord
Based on Psalm 98, this hymn is a metrical version that stays close to the words of Scripture while shaping them into a poetic and singable form. The psalm itself is a triumphant call to worship, declaring, “O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things” (Psalm 98:1, KJV). It reminds us that worship is not just about tradition but about continually rejoicing in the fresh mercies and mighty acts of God.
The tune, ST. MAGNUS, was named after the Church of St. Magnus the Martyr near London Bridge and was first published in 1707. It was composed by Jeremiah Clarke (c. 1669–1707), a gifted musician known for his regal compositions, including the famous Trumpet Voluntary. Though his life ended in tragedy, his music continues to inspire and lead congregations in worship.
As we sing today, may this hymn remind us to offer fresh praise to our unchanging yet ever-working God. He is worthy of a new song—one of joy, thanksgiving, and trust in His marvelous works!
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
When we try to run away from God’s presence: when like Cain we try to do things on our own, we become restless. We try to fill the yearning for divine grace with things, human relationships or overly busy lives. Cain started to build a dynasty and a city. Both are great achievements and speak of determination and energy, but if it is a godless dynasty and a rebellious city, it will ultimately amount to nothing. (Based from Lesson 1, 3rd Quarter 2021 -Thursday, A Restless Wanderer, 7/01/2021)
This hymn is a metrical version of Psalms 98, using as many words as possible of the psalm (King James Version), but employing them so as to rhyme and also fit the rhythm of the Common Meter tune. For notes on Scotish Psalter, see SDAH 62.
The tune ST. MAGNUS was named after the Church of St. Magnus the martyr near old London Bridge. William Riley gave it this name in his Parochial Harmony, 1758, where many previously unnamed tunes were named after London churches. The tune first appeared in Henry Playfortd’s second edition of Divine Companion, set to Psalm in 117.
Jeremiah Clarke was born about 1669 in London; he served in the boys’ choir in the Chapel Royal under John Blow. From 1692 to 1695 he was organist of Winchester College. Then he took Blow’s place at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, which had just been completed by Christofer Wren and contained a new organ built by Father Smith. Clarke was Queen Anne’s music master, composing some harpsichord pieces for her. With William Croft (see SDAH 103) in 1700 he was appointed Gentleman of the Chapel Royal and organist there. He was a prolific and versatile musician, writing choral, instrumental, organ, and solo music for the stage. The popular trumpet tune and trumpet voluntary, once thought to be Purcell’s, are now recognized to be Clarke’s. Unfortunately, at the age of about 38, as the result of a disappointment in love he took his own life on December 1, 1707, in the courtyard of St. Paul’s.
For an alternate harmonization of this tune, see SDAH 199. Clarke’s other tune in SDAH is No. 644, BISHOPTHORPE.
Stanza:
1 – Psalm 98:1-9
Text
1
O sing a new song to the Lord
For marvels He has done;
His right hand and His holy arm
The victory have won.
2
With harp, with harp and voice of psalms
Unto Jehovah sing;
Let trumpets and the echoing horn
Acclaim the Lord our King!
3
Let seas with all their creatures roar,
The world and dwellers there,
And let the rivers clap their hands,
The hills their joy declare.
4
Before the Lord: because He comes,
To judge the earth comes He;
He’ll judge the world with righteousness,
His folk with equity.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
Ps 98:1-9
Text Source
Scottish Psalter
Year Published
1650
Hymn Tune
ST. MAGNUS
Metrical Number
C.M.
Composer
Attr. to Jeremiah Clarke (c. 1669-1707)
Alternate Harmony
SDAH 199
Theme
ADORATION & PRAISE
