Read & explore together
Let the Earth Rejoice
Psalm 97 is a song that calls the whole earth to rejoice because Yahweh reigns. It uses vivid poetry about clouds, fire, lightning and mountains to show his greatness, then turns to a clear response of rejecting evil and giving thanks.
Understanding the passage
Read these words in context
In this passage, the speaker announces that Yahweh reigns and calls the earth and islands to be glad. The psalm describes Yahweh’s throne, power and glory in poetic images, contrasts him with idols, reports Zion and Judah rejoicing at his judgments, and ends by addressing those who love Yahweh.
Psalms 97:1–12Main takeaway
Because Yahweh reigns with righteousness and justice, his people are called to reject evil, rejoice in him and give thanks to his holy name.
Explore the poem and its images
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01The earth is called to rejoiceThe psalm opens with a bold announcement: Yahweh reigns. That is why the earth and even the faraway islands are called to rejoice.
Explanation
The psalm opens with a bold announcement: Yahweh reigns. That is why the earth and even the faraway islands are called to rejoice. His rule is not described as uncertain or weak. The song begins with joy because his kingship reaches across the whole earth.
02His rule is holy, powerful and overwhelmingThe next lines use poetry to describe Yahweh’s presence. Clouds and darkness surround him, while righteousness and justice are the base of his throne.
Explanation
The next lines use poetry to describe Yahweh’s presence. Clouds and darkness surround him, while righteousness and justice are the base of his throne. Fire, lightning and trembling earth show his power. Even mountains melting like wax picture that nothing stands firm before the Lord of the whole earth.
03His glory exposes false worshipThe heavens declare Yahweh’s righteousness, and all peoples have seen his glory. Because of that, those who serve carved images are called to shame.
Explanation
The heavens declare Yahweh’s righteousness, and all peoples have seen his glory. Because of that, those who serve carved images are called to shame. The psalm sets Yahweh above idols and above all gods. Zion and the daughters of Judah rejoice because his judgments show who truly rules.
04Those who love Yahweh must hate evilThe final verses move from praise to response. Loving Yahweh includes hating evil. He preserves his saints and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Explanation
The final verses move from praise to response. Loving Yahweh includes hating evil. He preserves his saints and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light and gladness belong to the righteous and upright in heart, so they are called to be glad in Yahweh and thank his holy name.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What reasons for rejoicing are given in this psalm?
Look for what the passage says about Yahweh’s reign, his judgments and the gladness of the righteous.
02How does the psalm use creation imagery to describe Yahweh’s presence?
Notice the images of clouds, fire, lightning, earth and mountains, and consider what they show about his greatness.
03According to the psalm, what should people who love Yahweh do?
The answer is stated directly near the end of the passage and is linked with Yahweh’s care for his saints.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Psalms 97:1–12
1Yahweh reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!
2Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3A fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries on every side.
4His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles.
5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens declare his righteousness. All the peoples have seen his glory.
7Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images, who boast in their idols. Worship him, all you gods!
8Zion heard and was glad. The daughters of Judah rejoiced because of your judgments, Yahweh.
9For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.
10You who love Yahweh, hate evil! He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.