Psalms 97

KJV · Chapter 97/150

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.

7Confounded 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.

📖 Chapter study

Summary

A hymn describing God reigning amid thunder, lightning, and mountains that melt before him, putting to shame all who worship idols, while joy and light are sown for the righteous.

Explanation

This enthronement psalm uses theophany language (a visible, powerful manifestation of God in nature) similar to that of Sinai in Exodus 19, reinforcing that the same God who revealed himself to Moses still reigns over all the earth. The criticism of those who 'serve graven images' (v. 7) is a recurring biblical polemic against the widespread idolatry of the cultures surrounding Israel. The application today is that the righteous person's genuine joy (v. 11-12) is born from recognizing that final justice belongs to God, not from any passing human security.

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