Psalms 97
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The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O Lord.
9 For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10 Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Public Domain KJV text from Wordproject.org
Psalm 97:1-12
The Lord Reigns
1The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
2Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.
4His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
6The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
7All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!
8Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O Lord.
9For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
10O you who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
12Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
ESV Bible text displayed through the American Bible Society's Global Bible Widget
Psalm 97:1-12
Psalm 97
1The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
2Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.
4His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
6The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all peoples see his glory.
7All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols—
worship him, all you gods!
8Zion hears and rejoices
and the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments, Lord.
9For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
10Let those who love the Lord hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11Light shines on the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
12Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.
NIV Bible text displayed through the American Bible Society's Global Bible Widget
Commentary
Rejoice! Rejoice! And again I say rejoice!
Psalm 97 opens with an invitation for nature to rejoice because God reigns. It concludes with a directive for the righteous to rejoice and praise God’s name. This celebratory psalm lauds God’s character as a ruler, enjoining both nature and people to rejoice in God’s justice and protection. Let the waves sing His praises! Let the heavens declare His glory!
Why rejoice? Unlike human despots and dictators, God is a benevolent Sovereign. Righteousness and justice underpin His kingdom. His rulings always bring joyous relief to His beloved, whom He guards and delivers from Satan’s snares. The source of all good gifts, God sheds light and joy on the righteous.
Surrounded by injustice and cruelty on the news and in their homes, people’s hearts crave compassion, integrity, and justice. Countless suffer unspeakable horrors. We yearn for a world where righteousness reigns and justice vanquishes, where the powerful are kind and the vulnerable are protected.
Struggling in today’s chaotic world? Does your heart bear innumerable unmerited scars? Fear not; malicious unkindness and injustice is temporary. Our Sovereign God is returning to rectify all wrongs and heal all wounds. It won’t be long now.
Rejoice!
Lori Engel
Chaplain (currently disabled) Eugene, Oregon USA (as of this writing)
