Catholic Bible
Mosaico decorativo

Psalms, 97

1. The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad [thereof].

1. The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the distant islands be glad.

2. Clouds and darkness [are] round about him: righteousness and judgment [are] the habitation of his throne.

2. Clouds and darkness surround him; justice and right are his throne.

3. A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.

3. Fire goes before him, burning his foes on every side.

4. His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.

4. His lightning lights up the world; the earth watches and trembles.

5. The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

5. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, the Lord of all the earth.

6. The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

6. The heavens proclaim his justice, all peoples see his glory.

7. Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.

7. Shame on worshipers of idols, on those proud of their worthless images. Let all spirits bow before him.

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

8. Zion hears and rejoices, and the cities of Judah exult, because of your judgments, O God.

9. For thou, LORD, [art] high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

9. For you are the Master of the universe, exalted far above all gods.

10. Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

10. You who love the Lord, hate evil, for he preserves the lives of his faithful, he delivers them from their foes.

11. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

11. He sheds light upon the upright, and gladness upon the just.

12. Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

12. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are blameless, and give praise to his holy name.



Read the Bible in a Year

Join our community and complete the entire Bible in 365 days. A structured and inspiring path to deepen your faith and knowledge of Scripture.

Join the Program Download the PDF Plan

Footnotes:

97:1 - The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice! This verse proclaims God's sovereign reign over all the earth. He is the Creator and King, bringing joy and justice to the world (see also Psalm 96:10 and Revelation 19:6).

97:2-3 - God is surrounded by clouds and darkness, symbolizing His unapproachable holiness and power. The fire that goes before Him consumes His enemies, showing His judgment against injustice (see also Exodus 19:9 and Hebrews 12:29).

97:6 - The heavens proclaim His righteousness. Creation bears witness to God's righteousness, revealing His just and faithful character. The cosmos is a reflection of the Creator's glory and justice (see also Romans 1:20 and Psalm 19:1-2).

97:10:00 - You who love the Lord, hate evil! The life of the faithful is marked by the rejection of sin and the pursuit of righteousness. Love for God must be accompanied by a hatred of evil, reflecting divine holiness (see also Amos 5:15 and Romans 12:9).

97:11-12 - Light and joy are poured out on the righteous. This verse emphasizes that those who follow God find His grace and blessings, living in His light (see also Isaiah 60:1 and John 8:12).

Verses related to Psalms, 97:

Psalm 97 celebrates God's reign over all the earth. How does God's government affect the natural and moral world? This majestic psalm portrays the Lord as King, using cosmic imagery to describe His glory and power. The text addresses themes such as divine judgment, the joy of the righteous and the supremacy of God over all powers. Psalm 97 calls for reverent worship and rejection of idolatry. Ponder with us five biblical passages that illuminate the themes of this theocentric psalm.

Exodus 19:18: "Mount Sinai was covered in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. Its smoke rose like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently." - This description of God's presence at Sinai is similar to the language used in Psalm 97:2-5, where nature responds to the divine presence.

Hebrews 1:6: "And yet, when God introduces the Firstborn into the world, he says: 'All the angels of God worship him'." - This verse in Hebrews quotes Psalm 97:7, applying it to Christ and showing its continued relevance in the New Testament.

Isaiah 60:19: "The sun will no longer be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon be your light; for the Lord will be your light forever; your God will be your glory." - This passage in Isaiah reflects the theme of divine light found in Psalm 97:11.

1 John 5:21: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." - This brief commandment echoes the warning against idolatry found in Psalm 97:7.

Romans 8:28: "We know that God works in all things for the good of those who love him, of those who have been called according to his purpose." - This verse reflects the theme of God's care for the righteous found in Psalm 97:10-11.

FAQ:

What does Psalm 97 reveal about God's justice?

Psalm 97 highlights the justice of God, who rules with righteousness, and how the earth rejoices before His majesty and power. He condemns the wicked and exalts the righteous. (Psalm 97:2-6)

How does Psalm 97 describe the fear of God?

Psalm 97 teaches that the fear of God is reverent and dignified, for His majesty and holiness are beyond compare. The fear of God leads to justice and righteousness. (Psalm 97:10-12)

What does "the heavens declare his righteousness" mean in Psalm 97?

It means that creation itself testifies to God's righteousness, and the Lord reveals His truth and power through nature and the heavens. (Psalm 97:6)

What does Psalm 97 say about idols?

Psalm 97 compares idols to nothing, showing that those who worship false images have no true security. God, in His justice, destroys idols. (Psalm 97:7)

How does Psalm 97 exhort the righteous to behave?

Psalm 97 exhorts the righteous to rejoice in God, for He is the righteous judge who rewards righteousness. They should be joyful in the Lord and in His holiness. (Psalm 97:11-12)


Bibles

Old Testament

New Testament

Avaiable on Youtube