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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 97, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad {thereof}. {multitude...: Heb. many, or, great isles}
Psalms 97:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Clouds and darkness {are} round about him: righteousness and judgment {are} the habitation of his throne. {habitation: or, establishment}
Psalms 97:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
Psalms 97:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
Psalms 97:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
Psalms 97:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
Psalms 97:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all {ye} gods.
Psalms 97:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
Psalms 97:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 For thou, LORD, {art} high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
Psalms 97:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
Psalms 97:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Psalms 97:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. {at...: or, to the memorial}
Psalms 97:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.