Psalm 97

A praise psalm. Rejoice in the Lord’s righteous reign over all the earth.

v.1 Call to praise—“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice.” The earth and the coastlands are to rejoice and be glad.
v.2-5 Praise to God as the forces of nature.
v.6-7 The heavens proclaim God's glory and righteousness (and the people see it). Worshipers of idols are put to shame.
v.8 Zion and Judah hear God's judgments and are glad. (See 48:11)
v.9 Praise—“For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth.”
v.10 Call for the saints to hate evil. The Lord protects their lives from the wicked.
v.11-12 Light dawns (30:5). Call for the righteous, who are joyful, to rejoice and give thanks.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!

This psalm helps the reader have a God-centered worldview. The Lord reigns over all the earth and all of human history. He is absolutely sovereign over the universe. Believers must reject all sin, no compromise. God will cause all things to work together for our good (Rom 8:28).

Read Psalm 97