Log inSign up

Psalm 97 · a question people ask

Who is speaking in this psalm, and to whom?

In the text

The psalm has no title and doesn't name its speaker. It begins by speaking of the LORD: "The LORD reigns!" (97:1), "Clouds and darkness are around him" (97:2). It calls out to "all you gods" (97:7). Then it turns to the LORD himself: "The daughters of Judah rejoiced because of your judgments, LORD" (97:8), "For you, LORD, are most high above all the earth" (97:9). And it ends speaking to people: "You who love the LORD, hate evil!" (97:10), "Be glad in the LORD, you righteous people!" (97:12). The psalm doesn't say who first sang it, or when, and these notes don't either.

The verses

“The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad! Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.”
Psalm 97:1-2 · World English Bible
“Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images, who boast in their idols. Worship him, all you gods! Zion heard and was glad. The daughters of Judah rejoiced because of your judgments, LORD. For you, LORD, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods. You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Psalm 97:7-10 · World English Bible
“Be glad in the LORD, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.”
Psalm 97:12 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 97

Psalm 97: Light is sown

Psalm 97's clouds, thick darkness, fire and lightning are the same Hebrew words the Law uses of the day at the mountain (Exodus 19:16, Deuteronomy 4:11). And near its end the psalm doesn't say light shines on the righteous: it says light is sown for them, like seed (97:11).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekPsalm 97 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Psalm 97

All questions about Psalms →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions