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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 97:1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/97-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/19_Psa_097_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 97:1 - Let the Earth Rejoice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/97-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/97-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/97.htm">Chapter 97</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/96-13.htm" title="Psalm 96:13">◄</a> Psalm 97:1 <a href="/psalms/97-2.htm" title="Psalm 97:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/97.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/97.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/97.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/97.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/97.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/97.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad <i>thereof</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/97.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The LORD reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/97.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD reigns, may the earth rejoice; May the many islands be joyful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/97.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/97.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/97.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Yahweh reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many coastlands be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/97.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands <i>and</i> coastlands be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/97.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coasts and islands be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/97.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coasts and islands be glad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/97.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Jehovah reigneth; let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/97.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD is King! Tell the earth to celebrate and all islands to shout. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/97.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/97.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD rules as king. Let the earth rejoice. Let all the islands be joyful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/97.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD is king! Earth, be glad! Rejoice, you islands of the seas! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/97.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice! May many islands be glad!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/97.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/97.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD reigns! Let the earth be happy! Let the many coastlands rejoice! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/97.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD reigns. Let the earth rejoice. Let the multitude of islands be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/97.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/97.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/97.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />YHWH has reigned, "" The earth is joyful, many islands rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/97.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Jehovah hath reigned, The earth is joyful, many isles rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/97.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Jehovah reigned, the earth shall exult: the many islands shall be glad.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/97.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For the same David, when his land was restored again to him. The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/97.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 96:1>This is to David, when his land was restored to him. The Lord has reigned, let the earth exult. Let the many islands rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/97.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/97.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/97.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />THE LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/97.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />LORD JEHOVAH reigns! The Earth will be glad; the many islands shall rejoice!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/97.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/97.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For David, when his land is established. The Lord reigns, let the earth exult, let many islands rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/97-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=12112" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/97.htm">Let the Earth Rejoice</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">The LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/4427.htm" title="4427: mā·lāḵ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">reigns,</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">let the earth</a> <a href="/hebrew/1523.htm" title="1523: tā·ḡêl (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3fs) -- To rejoice. Or guwl; a primitive root; properly, to spin round, i.e. Usually rejoice, or fear.">rejoice;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">let the distant</a> <a href="/hebrew/339.htm" title="339: ’î·yîm (N-mp) -- Coast, region. From 'avah; properly, a habitable spot; dry land, a coast, an island.">shores</a> <a href="/hebrew/8055.htm" title="8055: yiś·mə·ḥū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- Rejoice, be glad. A primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. be blithe or gleesome.">be glad.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-6.htm">Revelation 19:6</a></span><br />And I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude, like the rushing of many waters, and like a mighty rumbling of thunder, crying out: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/52-7.htm">Isaiah 52:7</a></span><br />How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/16-31.htm">1 Chronicles 16:31</a></span><br />Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice. Let them say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/93-1.htm">Psalm 93:1</a></span><br />The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; the LORD has clothed and armed Himself with strength. The world indeed is firmly established; it cannot be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/99-1.htm">Psalm 99:1</a></span><br />The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/14-9.htm">Zechariah 14:9</a></span><br />On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—the LORD alone, and His name alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-14.htm">Daniel 7:14</a></span><br />And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18</a></span><br />Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a></span><br />Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/24-23.htm">Isaiah 24:23</a></span><br />The moon will be confounded and the sun will be ashamed; for the LORD of Hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before His elders with great glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/11-15.htm">Revelation 11:15</a></span><br />Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/96-10.htm">Psalm 96:10</a></span><br />Declare among the nations: “The LORD reigns!” The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-10.htm">Isaiah 42:10-12</a></span><br />Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise from the ends of the earth—you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who dwell in them. / Let the desert and its cities raise their voices; let the villages of Kedar cry aloud. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them cry out from the mountaintops. / Let them give glory to the LORD and declare His praise in the islands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/47-8.htm">Psalm 47:8</a></span><br />God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-32.htm">Psalm 68:32</a></span><br />Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord—Selah</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.</p><p class="hdg">a.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/93-1.htm">Psalm 93:1</a></b></br> The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, <i>wherewith</i> he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/96-10.htm">Psalm 96:10,11</a></b></br> Say among the heathen <i>that</i> the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/99-1.htm">Psalm 99:1</a></b></br> The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth <i>between</i> the cherubims; let the earth be moved.</p><p class="hdg">the earth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-11.htm">Psalm 2:11</a></b></br> Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/98-4.htm">Psalm 98:4-6</a></b></br> Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/49-13.htm">Isaiah 49:13</a></b></br> Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.</p><p class="hdg">let the multitude of isles.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/10-5.htm">Genesis 10:5</a></b></br> By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/11-11.htm">Isaiah 11:11</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass in that day, <i>that</i> the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/24-14.htm">Isaiah 24:14-16</a></b></br> They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/10-1.htm">Coastlands</a> <a href="/psalms/72-10.htm">Distant</a> <a href="/psalms/96-13.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/96-12.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/psalms/72-10.htm">Islands</a> <a href="/psalms/72-10.htm">Isles</a> <a href="/psalms/96-12.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/psalms/96-12.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/psalms/94-19.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/psalms/96-10.htm">Reigned</a> <a href="/psalms/96-10.htm">Reigneth</a> <a href="/psalms/96-10.htm">Reigns</a> <a href="/psalms/96-12.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/genesis/10-5.htm">Sea-Lands</a> <a href="/psalms/72-10.htm">Shores</a> <a href="/psalms/96-11.htm">Thereof</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/24-15.htm">Coastlands</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-25.htm">Distant</a> <a href="/psalms/97-4.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/97-8.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-11.htm">Islands</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-11.htm">Isles</a> <a href="/psalms/97-8.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/psalms/97-8.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/psalms/106-7.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/psalms/99-1.htm">Reigned</a> <a href="/psalms/99-1.htm">Reigneth</a> <a href="/psalms/99-1.htm">Reigns</a> <a href="/psalms/97-8.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-5.htm">Sea-Lands</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-11.htm">Shores</a> <a href="/psalms/98-7.htm">Thereof</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 97</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/97-1.htm">The majesty of God's kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/97-7.htm">The church rejoices at God's judgments upon idolaters</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/97-10.htm">An exhortation to godliness and gladness</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/97.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/97.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The LORD reigns</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and kingship of God over all creation. In the biblical context, the reign of the LORD is a central theme, affirming His ultimate authority and control over the universe. This echoes the declaration in <a href="/psalms/93.htm">Psalm 93:1</a>, "The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty," highlighting God's majestic rule. The concept of God's reign is also prophetic, pointing to the future messianic kingdom where Christ will reign supreme, as seen in <a href="/revelation/11-15.htm">Revelation 11:15</a>, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."<p><b>let the earth rejoice</b><br>The call for the earth to rejoice reflects the joy and celebration that should accompany the recognition of God's rule. This joy is not limited to Israel but extends to all creation, indicating the universal scope of God's reign. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, rejoicing was often expressed through music, dance, and communal worship, as seen in <a href="/2_samuel/6-14.htm">2 Samuel 6:14-15</a> when David danced before the LORD. The earth's rejoicing is a response to the peace and justice that God's reign brings, as prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/35.htm">Isaiah 35:1-2</a>, where the wilderness and desert are described as rejoicing and blossoming.<p><b>let the distant shores be glad</b><br>This phrase extends the call to rejoice to the "distant shores," symbolizing the inclusion of the Gentiles and the farthest reaches of the earth in God's plan of salvation. It reflects the biblical theme of God's concern for all nations, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/42-10.htm">Isaiah 42:10</a>, "Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth." The distant shores being glad also foreshadows the Great Commission in <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19</a>, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, indicating the global impact of the Gospel. This inclusion of the distant shores is a type of the universal reign of Christ, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, as stated in <a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Philippians 2:10-11</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, representing the sovereign God who reigns over all creation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_earth.htm">The Earth</a></b><br>Symbolizes all of creation, which is called to rejoice in the LORD's reign.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/distant_shores.htm">Distant Shores</a></b><br>Represents the farthest reaches of the earth, indicating the universal scope of God's reign and the call for all nations to be glad.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Recognize and celebrate the LORD's supreme authority over all creation. His reign is not limited by geography or circumstance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/universal_joy.htm">Universal Joy</a></b><br>The call for the earth and distant shores to rejoice highlights the inclusivity of God's kingdom. Believers are encouraged to spread the joy of the LORD's reign to all nations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/worship_and_praise.htm">Worship and Praise</a></b><br>Worship is a natural response to God's reign. As believers, we should cultivate a heart of praise, acknowledging His rule in our lives and the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_and_assurance.htm">Hope and Assurance</a></b><br>The LORD's reign provides hope and assurance amidst life's uncertainties. Trust in His control and find peace in His eternal governance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mission_and_evangelism.htm">Mission and Evangelism</a></b><br>The mention of distant shores reminds us of the Great Commission. We are called to share the good news of God's reign with all people, near and far.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_97.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 97</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_confirming_events_in_psalm_97.htm">What historical or archaeological evidence exists to confirm any events or context described in Psalm 97?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'be_sober_and_vigilant'_mean.htm">Whose is the Earth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_'mountains_melt_like_wax'_be_literal.htm">How could 'mountains melt like wax' (Psalm 97:5) be taken literally without contradicting known geological processes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_96_5_fit_with_the_big_bang.htm">Psalm 96:5 proclaims the Lord 'made the heavens,' so how does this fit with current cosmological theories such as the Big Bang and the vast timeline of cosmic evolution?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/97.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">The Lord reigneth.</span>--For the thought and imagery comp. <a href="/context/psalms/96-10.htm" title="Say among the heathen that the LORD reigns: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.">Psalm 96:10-11</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Multitude of the isles</span>.--Literally, <span class= "ital">isles many. </span>This wide glance to the westward embracing the isles and coasts of the Mediterranean (<a href="/psalms/72-10.htm" title="The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.">Psalm 72:10</a>), possibly even more distant ones still, is characteristic of <span class= "ital">the </span>literature of post-exile times. (Comp. <a href="/context/isaiah/42-10.htm" title="Sing to the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, you that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.">Isaiah 42:10-11</a>; <a href="/isaiah/51-15.htm" title="But I am the LORD your God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.">Isaiah 51:15</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/97.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The Lord reigneth;</span> or, <span class="accented">the Lord has become</span> King - has ascended his throne (comp. <a href="/psalms/93-1.htm">Psalm 93:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/96-10.htm">Psalm 96:10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Let the earth rejoice.</span> When God condescends to appear on earth, the earth is bound to rejoice. His coming cannot but improve the condition of affairs. <span class="cmt_word">Let the multitude of isles</span> (literally, <span class="accented">the many isles</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>be glad</span> thereof<span class="cmt_word">.</span> Even "the isles" - the abode of the Gentiles - are to feel joy, for they, too, at whatever cost (ver. 3), will be benefited. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/97-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">reigns,</span><br /><span class="heb">מָ֭לָךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mā·lāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let the earth</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָ֑רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rejoice;</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּגֵ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(tā·ḡêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1523.htm">Strong's 1523: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spin round, rejoice, fear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let the distant</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבִּֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shores</span><br /><span class="heb">אִיִּ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(’î·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_339.htm">Strong's 339: </a> </span><span class="str2">A habitable spot, dry land, a coast, an island</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be glad.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֝שְׂמְח֗וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·mə·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8055.htm">Strong's 8055: </a> </span><span class="str2">To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/97-1.htm">Psalm 97:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/97-1.htm">Psalm 97:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/97-1.htm">Psalm 97:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/97-1.htm">Psalm 97:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/97-1.htm">Psalm 97:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/97-1.htm">Psalm 97:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/97-1.htm">Psalm 97:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/97-1.htm">Psalm 97:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/97-1.htm">Psalm 97:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/97-1.htm">Psalm 97:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/97-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 97:1 Yahweh reigns! (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/96-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 96:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 96:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/97-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 97:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 97:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>