Psalms 97

The Lord Reigns, Let the Earth Rejoice

1 The LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Kingdom: Psalms 93:1, 99:1, Mark 11:10, Colossians 1:13, Revelation 11:17. References Lord: Isaiah 49:13, Zephaniah 2:11. Parallel theme: Genesis 10:5 +3

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgmentJudgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat). The Hebrew mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) means judgment or justice—God's righteous decisions and ordinances. God is the Judge of all the earth who 'shall do right' (Genesis 18:25), executing perfect justice. are the habitation of his throne. Judgment: Romans 11:33. Righteousness: Psalms 89:14, 99:4, Genesis 18:25, Proverbs 16:12. Parallel theme: Exodus 19:9

3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. Parallel theme: Psalms 18:8, 50:3, Deuteronomy 32:22, Daniel 7:10, Malachi 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, Hebrews 12:29 +2

4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. Light: Psalms 77:18, Revelation 11:19. Parallel theme: Psalms 104:32

5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. References Lord: Psalms 47:2, Joshua 3:11, Isaiah 54:5, Zechariah 4:14, 1 Corinthians 1:2. Parallel theme: Psalms 46:6, 83:18, Nahum 1:5, Habakkuk 3:6 +4

6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. Righteousness: Psalms 50:6, 67:4. Glory: Psalms 19:1, Isaiah 6:3, 40:5, 66:18. Parallel theme: 2 Samuel 22:47, Isaiah 45:6 +3

7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods. References God: Leviticus 26:1, Isaiah 42:17. Worship: Hebrews 1:6. Parallel theme: Exodus 20:4, Jeremiah 10:14

8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty.. Judgment: Psalms 48:11. Parallel theme: Zechariah 9:9

9 For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods. References God: Psalms 95:3, 96:4, 135:5, Exodus 18:11, Jeremiah 10:10. Parallel theme: Psalms 83:18, Ephesians 1:21 +2

10 Ye that loveLove: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed). Hebrew uses ahavah (אַהֲבָה) for love generally, but the covenant term chesed (חֶסֶד) describes God's steadfast, loyal love—faithful covenant commitment beyond mere emotion. the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. Evil: Psalms 34:14, Proverbs 8:13, Jeremiah 15:21, 2 Thessalonians 3:2. Love: Psalms 31:23, 145:20, Amos 5:15, Romans 12:9. Holy: Proverbs 2:8. Parallel theme: Daniel 3:28 +5

11 Light is sown for the righteousRighteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik). The Hebrew tzaddik (צַדִּיק) describes one who is righteous, just, or lawful—conforming to God's standard. From the root tzedek (צֶדֶק), meaning righteousness or justice., and gladness for the upright in heart. Light: Psalms 18:28, Esther 8:16, Job 22:28, John 12:46, Revelation 21:23, 22:5. Righteousness: Psalms 112:4, Proverbs 4:18, Micah 7:9. Parallel theme: Galatians 6:8 +5

12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. References Lord: Philippians 4:4. Holy: Psalms 30:4, 60:6, Hebrews 12:10