Psalms 97:1
The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֣ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
תָּגֵ֣ל
rejoice
H1523
תָּגֵ֣ל
rejoice
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
יִ֝שְׂמְח֗וּ
be glad
H8055
יִ֝שְׂמְח֗וּ
be glad
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
5 of 7
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
Cross References
Colossians 1:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:Psalms 99:1The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.Psalms 93:1The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.Revelation 11:17Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.Isaiah 49:13Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.Mark 11:10Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.Genesis 10:5By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.Zephaniah 2:11The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.
Historical Context
Written when Israel was a small nation among great empires, this psalm boldly declares Yahweh's supremacy over all earthly powers, prefiguring the universal kingdom of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging God's reign over all nations affect your prayers for current world events?
- What would it look like for you to live with consistent joy grounded in God's sovereignty rather than circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
This enthronement psalm begins with the proclamation 'The LORD reigneth' (Yahweh malak), establishing divine sovereignty as the foundation for all that follows. The call for the earth to rejoice (samach) and the 'multitude of isles' (coastlands—representing distant nations) to be glad demonstrates that God's reign is universal, not merely local. This cosmic perspective anticipates the Great Commission and the gospel's spread to all nations. True joy originates from recognizing God's rightful rule over all creation.