A little time with Scripture.
SCRIPTURE READER

Psalms 97

World English Bible · Public domain

Open in Bible Gateway

Psalms 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.

World English Bible (WEB). Public-domain translation. Publisher: eBible.org. Local WEB chapter text; additional external requests use bible-api.com.

A few questions for reading in context
  • Who is speaking, and to whom?
  • What is happening before and after this passage?
  • What kind of writing is this—poetry, narrative, letter, or another form?
  • What does the passage say before I consider how to apply it?