Psalms 97

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 97

1¶ The 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.

8¶ Zion 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.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalms 97 proclaims the Lord's universal reign, calling for the earth and its inhabitants to rejoice in His sovereignty. His majestic presence is characterized by clouds, darkness, fire, and lightning, demonstrating His immense power and the righteousness of His judgment. The psalm contrasts the Lord's supreme authority with the futility of idols, urging His saints to hate evil and find gladness in His holiness.

Medium Summary

Psalms 97 celebrates the sovereign reign of the LORD, declaring that the earth and all its islands should rejoice. His majestic presence is described amidst clouds and darkness, with righteousness and judgment forming the foundation of His throne. Fire and lightning precede Him, consuming His adversaries and causing the earth to tremble and mountains to melt like wax. The heavens bear witness to His righteousness, and all people behold His glory. The psalm condemns those who serve graven images, asserting the Lord's supreme exaltation above all gods, a truth that brings joy to Zion and Judah. It concludes by exhorting those who love the LORD to hate evil, assuring them of His preservation and promising light and gladness for the righteous.

Long Summary

Psalms 97 opens with a resounding declaration of the LORD's universal reign, calling upon the entire earth and its multitude of islands to rejoice in His sovereignty. His divine presence is depicted as being enveloped in clouds and darkness, yet His throne is firmly established upon principles of righteousness and judgment. A consuming fire precedes Him, annihilating His enemies, while His lightnings illuminate the world, causing the earth to tremble in awe. The very hills are described as melting like wax before the majestic presence of the Lord of the whole earth, underscoring His immense power. The heavens themselves testify to His righteousness, and all people are granted to see His glory. The psalm then issues a strong condemnation against those who serve graven images and boast in idols, commanding all other "gods" to worship Him. Zion and the daughters of Judah hear of His judgments and respond with gladness and rejoicing. The text emphasizes the LORD's unparalleled supremacy, stating that He is high above all the earth and exalted far above all other gods. Finally, the psalm provides an exhortation to the faithful, urging those who love the LORD to hate evil. It offers assurance that He preserves the souls of His saints and delivers them from the hand of the wicked, promising that light is sown for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart. The chapter concludes with a call for the righteous to rejoice in the LORD and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.

Core Concepts

  • Divine SovereigntyThe psalm begins by declaring, "The LORD reigneth," emphasizing His absolute and universal rule over the earth and all its inhabitants, demanding their rejoicing.
  • God's Majestic PresenceThe Lord's presence is described with powerful imagery: clouds, darkness, fire, and lightning, demonstrating His awe-inspiring power and the formidable nature of His judgment.
  • Righteous JudgmentRighteousness and judgment are stated as the very "habitation of his throne," indicating that divine justice and moral rectitude are fundamental to God's reign and actions.
  • Condemnation of IdolatryThe psalm explicitly calls for those who serve graven images to be confounded, asserting the Lord's supreme authority and demanding that all other "gods" worship Him alone.
  • Rejoicing of the RighteousZion and Judah rejoice at the Lord's judgments, and the righteous are exhorted to find gladness and give thanks, for light and joy are promised to those who love Him and hate evil.
  • Exaltation Above All GodsThe Lord is proclaimed as "high above all the earth" and "exalted far above all gods," establishing His unique and unparalleled supremacy over every other purported deity.