Psalms 97:1-12·~1 min

Let the Earth Rejoice

The LORD's reign is announced to the joy of the earth and the coastlands. Yet this reign appears in terrifying majesty: clouds and darkness surround him, fire goes before him, lightning lights the world, and mountains melt like wax before his presence. In response, the heavens themselves proclaim his righteousness and all peoples see his glory.

T¹he LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; ²Clouds and darkness surround Him; ³Fire goes before Him ⁴His lightning illuminates the world; ⁵The mountains melt like wax ⁶The heavens proclaim His righteousness;

Those who serve carved images are shamed, and every false god is summoned to bow before the LORD. Zion hears and rejoices, and the daughters of Judah are glad because of the LORD's judgments. Their joy rests in the fact that the LORD is Most High over all the earth and exalted far above every other power.

⁷All worshipers of images are put to shame — ⁸Zion hears and rejoices, ⁹For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth;

Those who love the LORD are called to hate evil, because he preserves the lives of his faithful and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous and joy for the upright in heart. The psalm therefore ends by commanding the righteous to rejoice in the LORD and give thanks to his holy name.

¹⁰Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! ¹¹Light shines on the righteous, ¹²Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones,

Section summaryThe psalm opens by declaring that the LORD reigns and by summoning the earth and distant coastlands to rejoice. Yet the reign being celebrated is surrounded by clouds, darkness, fire, and lightning, while mountains melt before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, idolaters are put to shame, and Zion rejoices because the LORD is exalted above all gods. The psalm closes by exhorting lovers of the LORD to hate evil, by promising light and joy to the righteous, and by calling them to thanksgiving.

Role in the chapterThis section presents divine kingship as both glorious and morally decisive. It makes clear that the LORD's reign exposes false worship, secures his people, and calls forth rejoicing rooted in holiness.