Psalms 97:8
Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁמְעָ֬ה
heard
H8085
שָׁמְעָ֬ה
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וַתִּשְׂמַ֨ח׀
and was glad
H8055
וַתִּשְׂמַ֨ח׀
and was glad
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
2 of 9
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
צִיּ֗וֹן
Zion
H6726
צִיּ֗וֹן
Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
3 of 9
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
וַ֭תָּגֵלְנָה
rejoiced
H1523
וַ֭תָּגֵלְנָה
rejoiced
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
בְּנ֣וֹת
and the daughters
H1323
בְּנ֣וֹת
and the daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
5 of 9
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
6 of 9
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
לְמַ֖עַן
H4616
לְמַ֖עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
Cross References
Psalms 48:11Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Historical Context
Zion/Jerusalem was the worship center where God's people gathered to celebrate His mighty acts, creating communal memory and shared identity.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you rejoice in God's judgments against evil while also showing compassion to those experiencing consequences of sin?
- What role does corporate worship play in your ability to maintain proper perspective on God's justice?
Analysis & Commentary
Zion (representing God's people) hearing and rejoicing (samach) connects God's judgments with corporate worship. 'Judah' rejoicing 'because of thy judgments' (mishpatim) demonstrates that God's justice delights His people—we should celebrate when evil is defeated and righteousness vindicated. This communal joy in God's justice creates solidarity among believers and contrasts with worldly sorrow over sin's consequences. The daughter cities of Judah represent the entire covenant community sharing in worship.