Unknown
Psalm 97
Scripture (KJV)
1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7Confound ed be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Summary
Psalm 97 is a theophany hymn celebrating the LORD’s reign with imagery of fire, lightning, and melting mountains. It opens, "The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof." Clouds and darkness surround Him, but righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne. A fire goes before Him, burning up His enemies; His lightnings enlighten the world and the earth trembles. The hills melt like wax at the presence of the LORD of the whole earth. The heavens declare His righteousness, and all peoples see His glory. Idolaters are confounded, and even the gods are summoned to worship Him.
Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of His judgments, for the LORD is high above all the earth, exalted far above all gods. The ethical heart of the psalm is verse 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." Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. The psalm closes with a call to rejoice in the LORD and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.
The major themes are God’s reign, theophany, judgment, the supremacy of God over idols, and the call to hate evil. Practically, the psalm teaches that loving God and hating evil are inseparable, and that light is sown for the righteous. The great lesson is: the LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 97
LORD, You reign! Let the earth rejoice and the multitude of isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about You, but righteousness and judgment are the habitation of Your throne. Your fire goes before You; Your lightnings enlighten the world. The hills melt like wax at Your presence. The heavens declare Your righteousness, and all peoples see Your glory. Confound those who serve idols; let all worship You. Zion heard and was glad; let my heart rejoice in Your judgments. You are high above all the earth, exalted far above all gods. I love You, LORD; help me hate evil. Preserve my soul and deliver me from the hand of the wicked. Let light be sown for me, and gladness for my upright heart. I rejoice in You and give thanks at the remembrance of Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1How does the imagery of fire, lightning, and melting hills shape my view of God?
- 2What does it mean that "righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne"?
- 3How are loving the LORD and hating evil connected in my life?
- 4What does it mean that "light is sown for the righteous"?
Related Psalms
Psalm 96
“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”
A missionary hymn calling all nations to ascribe glory to the Lord as King.
Read morePsalm 98
“O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.”
A new song for God’s victory; all creation joins the praise.
Read morePsalm 99
“The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.”
The holy King calls His people to justice and worship at His footstool.
Read morePsalm 93
“The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.”
A short hymn to the Lord as King, reigning above the floods.
Read morePsalm 47
“O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”
God ascends His throne as King over all the earth.
Read moreSupport BookofPsalms.org
If you find BookofPsalms.org helpful and would like to support the website, you may make a voluntary contribution through PayPal. Your support helps pay for the operation, hosting, maintenance, development, content, security, and continued improvement of BookofPsalms.org.
Independent Website & Contribution Disclosure
BookofPsalms.org is an independently operated, privately owned website. BookofPsalms.org is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or operated by any church, denomination, ministry, religious organization, charity, or nonprofit organization.
All funds contributed through BookofPsalms.org are received by the privately owned company that operates the website. Funds may be used by the company to support website hosting, maintenance, development, content creation, administration, advertising, technology, and other business and operating expenses.
Contributions are voluntary and are NOT tax-deductible charitable donations. BookofPsalms.org does not represent contributions as charitable donations or contributions to a nonprofit, church, ministry, or tax-exempt religious organization.
Receive weekly Psalms and prayers
A gentle Psalm, an original prayer, and a short reflection—delivered once a week.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.