Psalms · 12 verses
Psalms 97
Every verse links to the people and places named in it, and to the passages readers connect it with.
The chapter
What happens here
Atlas's own reading, written from this chapter and nothing else, and published only once a person has approved it. Each scene names the verses it covers; the names inside it link to the people and places they name.
After putting image-worshippers to shame, the psalm turns rather smartly to “all you gods” and orders them to worship the LORD.
Fire, lightning, and a rather unsettled mountain rangevv. 1–7
The LORD reigns while earth and distant shores rejoice, though the scenery is hardly tranquil: clouds and darkness surround Him, fire goes before Him, lightning makes the world tremble, and mountains melt like wax. The heavens proclaim His righteousness, all peoples see His glory, and image-worshippers are shamed. Then comes the psalm’s splendidly abrupt summons to “all you gods” to worship Him.
Zion hears the newsvv. 8–12
Zion hears and rejoices, while the towns of Judah exult because of the LORD’s judgments. The LORD is Most High over all the earth, and those who love Him are told to hate evil; He preserves His saints and delivers them from the wicked. Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright, and the psalm closes with rejoicing and praise.
The text
Read it
Berean Standard Bible, public domain. Names the Hebrew and Greek put in the verse link to the person, place or people they name; the address beside each verse is a link to that verse, which is what a reader copies and shares.
Ps 97:1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad.
Ps 97:2Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.
Ps 97:3Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.
Ps 97:4His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles.
Ps 97:5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
Ps 97:6The heavens proclaim His righteousness; all the peoples see His glory.
Ps 97:7All worshipers of images are put to shame—those who boast in idols. Worship Him, all you gods!
Ps 97:8Zion hears and rejoices, and the towns of Judah exult because of Your judgments, O LORD.
Ps 97:9For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.
Ps 97:10Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Ps 97:11Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart.
Ps 97:12Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones, and praise His holy name.
02 — Read alongside
Where this is echoed
Readers' own connections, from OpenBible's crowd-voted cross-references — agreement about relevance, and not scholarly confidence. 193 passages were voted onto 12 verses of this chapter; the 16 shown lead on votes, and each is listed at the verse it was voted onto most strongly.
- 11James 5:7–11Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.
- 10Proverbs 8:13To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
- 11John 12:46I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.
- 10Romans 12:9Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.
- 11Proverbs 4:18The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
- 10Jeremiah 15:21I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.”
- 11Isaiah 60:1–2Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
- 5Nahum 1:5The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence—the world and all its dwellers.
- 10Psalms 145:20The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.
- 5Micah 1:3–4For behold, the LORD comes forth from His dwelling place; He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.
- 10Daniel 3:28Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
- 12Psalms 30:4Sing to the LORD, O you His saints, and praise His holy name.
- 2Psalms 89:14Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You.
- 102 Thessalonians 3:2And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone holds to the faith.
- 10Amos 5:15Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
- 10Psalms 31:23Love the LORD, all His saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but fully repays the arrogant.
Onward