The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 98
The possible meaning of the number 98 is derived from both Scriptural writings and the intersection of the Roman Empire with the last living apostle.
Roman Emperor Domitian ruled the empire from 81 A.D. until his assassination on September 18 in 96. During the latter part of his reign, from 94 to 96, he began a campaign of violent persecutions against Christians. One of the consequences of these unwarranted attacks was the exiling of the Apostle John to the island of Patmos "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 1:9).
Nerva, after Domitian's death, takes over as Roman Emperor in late 96 A.D. His short reign (96 to 98 A.D.) begins what is called the "five good emperors" period that would last until 180. It is a period marked by moderate policies that enable unprecedented territorial, economic, and cultural expansion. John is believed to have been released by Nerva in 96, after which he travels to Ephesus.
John lives to the end of Nerva's reign and into the start of Trajan's rule in late January of 98 A.D. While it is unclear how long John lived after 98, he likely died of natural causes, as the last living original disciple of Jesus, around 100 A.D.
Appearances of number ninety-eight
Verse 98 of Psalm 119 is in a section labeled with the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet called Mem. This section, from verses 97 to 104, praises God's laws and the wisdom they bring. Such laws, if meditated upon, can make a person far wiser than their enemies.
O how love I Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me (verses 97 - 98 of Psalm 119, HBFV).
Number 98 and the Psalms
The book of Psalms, in the original Hebrew manuscripts, is divided into five sections. Psalm 98 is in a section whose general theme is the millennial reign of Christ and shows Israel re-gathered after their ruin. It was written by priests who served under King David.
The Psalm praises God for his wisdom and power. It also encourages singing and making music as an act of worship.
O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him. The Lord has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre, and the voice of a psalm (verses 1 - 2, 4 - 5 of Psalm 98, HBFV).
The writer of the Psalm refers to God's right hand because it symbolizes His authority, power, and strength (Genesis 48:14 - 19, Exodus 15:6, Isaiah 23:11, 41:10, 45:1).
Verse 3 of this Psalm may be alluded to when Zacharias prophesied about Jesus and praised God for remembering his people in Luke 1:72.
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 98
The five shortest books in terms of number of verses (2John, 3John, Obadiah, Philemon, Jude) have 98 total verses.
The Bible continues to be the most translated writing in the world. One or more of its books have been translated into 2,400+ languages. It is available, in whole or in part, to 98 percent of the world's population in a language in which they are fluent.