Psalms 97:12
Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Original Language Analysis
שִׂמְח֣וּ
Rejoice
H8055
שִׂמְח֣וּ
Rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
1 of 6
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה
in the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה
in the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְ֝הוֹד֗וּ
and give thanks
H3034
וְ֝הוֹד֗וּ
and give thanks
Strong's:
H3034
Word #:
4 of 6
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
Cross References
Psalms 30:4Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.Philippians 4:4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.Hebrews 12:10For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.Psalms 60:6God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
Historical Context
Israel's festivals regularly rehearsed God's holy acts in their history, using corporate memory to generate thanksgiving and renew covenant commitment.
Questions for Reflection
- How can 'remembering' God's holiness—His past faithfulness and perfect character—generate thanksgiving even in difficult circumstances?
- What difference does it make to rejoice 'in the LORD' rather than in temporary pleasures or accomplishments?
Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'rejoice in the LORD' (samach ba-Yahweh) grounds joy in God Himself, not circumstances. Giving thanks 'at the remembrance of his holiness' (zecher qodsho) indicates that recalling God's holy character produces gratitude. Holiness here encompasses God's transcendent otherness and moral perfection. The psalm concludes where it began (v. 1)—with rejoicing—creating an inclusio that frames everything in worship. Christian joy is theological, rooted in who God is, not what we experience.