The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 97
In brief
Psalm 97 proclaims that the LORD reigns and invites the whole earth to rejoice. His coming is described with images of cloud, fire and lightning: his righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Idols are put to shame and the gods bow down before him. Those who love the LORD are called to hate evil, with the promise that God guards their souls, and to rejoice in him.
The chapter in 3 parts
1Yahweh reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!
2Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3A fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries on every side.
4His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles.
5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens declare his righteousness. All the peoples have seen his glory.
7Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images, who boast in their idols. Worship him, all you gods!
8Zion heard and was glad. The daughters of Judah rejoiced because of your judgments, Yahweh.
9For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.
10You who love Yahweh, hate evil! He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.
Key verses
Yahweh reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!
The psalm opens with a proclamation: God reigns. From this flows the call to joy, for the whole earth and even for the distant islands.
Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Clouds and darkness speak of the mystery of God. But his reign rests on righteousness and justice, which makes him worthy of trust.
For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.
God is the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods. No power shares his throne.
You who love Yahweh, hate evil! He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
Loving God has moral consequences: hating evil. The verse adds that God guards the souls of his faithful ones and delivers them from the wicked.
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Light is sown for the righteous, like a seed that will sprout. The image invites patience and joy for those with an upright heart.
Test your knowledge
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 97
What does Psalm 97 mean?
Psalm 97 celebrates the reign of God. It describes his coming with images of fire and lightning to convey his majesty, affirms that righteousness is the foundation of his throne and announces the fall of idols. It invites those who love him to hate evil and to rejoice in his light.
What does it mean that the LORD reigns?
The phrase proclaims that God is king over the whole earth and not only over one people. It recurs in several psalms of praise. It does not mean that everything that happens is good, but that God keeps the final authority and will judge with justice.
How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 97?
Start with verse 1 and declare aloud that God reigns, even if your circumstances say otherwise. Then meditate on verse 10: is there an evil you need to stop tolerating? Finish with verse 12 by praising God for his holiness.
Articles quoting Psalm 97
World English Bible translation — public domain.