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Wisdom & Poetry · WORLD ENGLISH BIBLE

Psalm 97

Psalm 97 is read especially through the theme of creation, within Book IV (Psalms 90–106). Its language invites attentive prayer before quick application.

CreationWisdomJustice
Psalms overview
Old Testament

Psalm 97

1The LORD 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 the LORD, 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, LORD.

9For you, LORD, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.

10You who love the LORD, 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 the LORD, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.

READ IN CONTEXT

Understanding Psalm 97

Psalm 97 is read especially through the theme of creation, within Book IV (Psalms 90–106). Its language invites attentive prayer before quick application. Read it within the complete five-book Psalms collection, then compare its prayer language with the types of prayer found across Scripture. Classification is a reading aid rather than a replacement for the Psalm's own movement and tension.

Collection

Book IV (Psalms 90–106). The five-book shape of the Psalter helps readers hear individual prayers within a deliberately arranged collection.

Themes detected

Creation, Wisdom, Justice. Read for these themes while remaining open to tension and secondary movements.

TEXT-DERIVED READING NOTES

What to notice in Psalm 97

Psalm 97 contains 12 verses and about 187 words in this translation. These observations come from the chapter itself; they are prompts for close reading, not claims about its only possible meaning.

The opening movement

Verse 1 begins: “The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!” Ask what situation, voice, image, or argument this opening establishes for everything that follows.

The closing movement

Verse 12 closes: “Be glad in the LORD, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.” Compare the ending with the opening and note what changed, resolved, intensified, or remained open.

Vocabulary worth tracing

Recurring or prominent content words include earth, glad, righteousness, presence, gods, above. Follow where each word appears and whether its meaning shifts with the speaker or setting.

COMMON QUESTIONS

About Psalm 97

Which Bible translation is shown here?+

This page reproduces the World English Bible Protestant edition (WEBP), a modern-English translation dedicated to the public domain.

How should I cite a specific verse?+

Use the book, chapter, and verse—for example, Psalms 97:1—and name the World English Bible if the wording matters. Each verse number above is a direct anchor link.

Does the chapter number define the complete literary unit?+

Not always. Chapter and verse numbers were added for navigation. Check the paragraphs, scenes, poetic stanzas, or argument before and after this chapter.

What kind of Psalm is this?+

Our reading profile emphasizes creation, with related themes of Creation, Wisdom, Justice. Many Psalms blend genres or move between moods, so this label is a guide rather than a rigid classification.

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