Psalms 97:8

Authorized King James Version

Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׁמְעָ֬ה

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וַתִּשְׂמַ֨ח׀

H8055

and was glad

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

צִיּ֗וֹן

H6726

Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

וַ֭תָּגֵלְנָה

H1523

rejoiced

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

בְּנ֣וֹת

H1323

and the daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יְהוּדָ֑ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לְמַ֖עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

מִשְׁפָּטֶ֣יךָ

H4941

because of thy judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?