What does Psalm 97:1 mean?
ESV: The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!
NIV: The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.
NASB: The Lord reigns, may the earth rejoice; May the many islands be joyful.
CSB: The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coasts and islands be glad.
NLT: The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad.
KJV: The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
NKJV: The Lord reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 97:1–9 looks forward to the Lord's reign over all the earth (Revelation 20:4). His coming will be marked with clouds and darkness, lightning, and fire. When the Lord returns, He will bring judgment on those who oppose Him (Revelation 19:11–15). Those who chose worthless idols instead of the One True God will be ashamed. God's people should feel joy at knowing that the Lord is sovereign.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist writes as if seeing God's completed judgment and rule over the earth (Revelation 20:4). This is described in dramatic terms; God's holiness and wrath are expressed by darkness, lightning, and fire. Yet the world also experiences His goodness and perfect justice. Those who believed in false gods are ashamed, but God's people celebrate. Those who hate evil and love God's goodness (Proverbs 8:13) should express gratitude to the Lord.
Chapter Context:
Psalms 24, 27, 93, and 95—99 are "enthronement" psalms. These express joy at God ruling over the entire world. Many look forward to when this rule is direct and personal (Revelation 20:4). This psalm speaks from an end-times perspective when the Lord has returned to bring judgment and justice. It does so more than the others in this group.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 11/22/2024 5:52:02 AM
© Copyright 2002-2024 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
