Bible Strands
Psalms 97:1
The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses the earth and distant shores, announcing Yahweh’s kingship as the immediate cause for universal celebration.
The words — מָ֭לָךְ (Ma.lokh) means he reigns, and אִיִּ֥ים (i.Yim) refers to islands or distant shores.
The thread — This declaration of divine kingship echoes in Psalms 96:10 and Psalms 99:1, while Colossians 1:13 traces the kingdom’s redemptive arrival.
Why it lands — The text commands the earth and distant lands to respond with gladness solely because Yahweh holds sovereign rule.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Cross-references
- Psalms 96:10 Declare among the nations: “The LORD reigns!” The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.
- Psalms 99:1 The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!
- Colossians 1:13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
- Psalms 93:1 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.
- Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises!
- Revelation 11:17 saying: “We give thanks to You, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.
- Isaiah 24:14 They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they proclaim the majesty of the LORD.
- Isaiah 49:13 Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; break forth in song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and He will have compassion on His afflicted ones.
- Mark 11:10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!”
- Isaiah 41:5 The islands see and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward.