Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones, and praise His holy name. Rejoice in the LORDThe word "rejoice" is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׂמַח" (samach), which conveys a deep sense of joy and gladness. In the context of the Psalms, rejoicing is not merely an emotional response but a conscious decision to find joy in God's presence and His works. The phrase "in the LORD" emphasizes that the source of true joy is found in a relationship with Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. Historically, this call to rejoice would resonate with the Israelites who experienced God's deliverance and faithfulness throughout their history, from the Exodus to the return from exile. For the Christian, this joy is magnified in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's love and salvation. you righteous ones
The term "righteous ones" refers to those who are in right standing with God. In Hebrew, the word "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik) is used, which denotes individuals who live according to God's laws and commandments. In the Old Testament context, righteousness was often associated with adherence to the Mosaic Law and the sacrificial system. However, the New Testament expands this understanding, teaching that righteousness is imputed to believers through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22). Thus, the "righteous ones" are those who have been justified by faith and are called to live out their faith through acts of justice, mercy, and love. and praise His holy name
The act of praising is captured by the Hebrew word "הוֹדוּ" (hodu), which means to give thanks or to glorify. Praise is a central theme in the Psalms, reflecting a heart of gratitude and reverence towards God. The phrase "His holy name" underscores the sacredness and uniqueness of God's character. In ancient Israel, a name was more than a label; it represented the essence and identity of a person. God's name is holy because it embodies His purity, majesty, and otherness. The call to praise His holy name is an invitation to acknowledge and celebrate God's attributes and deeds. For believers, this praise is not confined to corporate worship but is a lifestyle of honoring God in all aspects of life, recognizing His sovereignty and grace. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, representing the God of Israel, who is holy and deserving of praise. 2. The Righteous OnesRefers to those who are in right standing with God, often understood as those who follow His commandments and live according to His will. 3. Holy NameThe name of God, which is sacred and set apart, representing His character and essence. Teaching Points Joy in RighteousnessThe righteous are called to rejoice in the LORD. This joy is not based on circumstances but on the relationship with God. True joy is found in living a life aligned with God's will. The Holiness of God's NameGod's name is holy, and it is a privilege to praise it. Recognizing the holiness of His name should inspire reverence and worship in our daily lives. Praise as a LifestylePraising God should be a continuous act, not limited to specific times or places. It is an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of His sovereignty and goodness. The Role of the RighteousThe righteous have a unique role in reflecting God's glory through their lives. By living righteously, they become a testimony to God's holiness and love. Community of BelieversThe call to rejoice and praise is often a communal activity, encouraging believers to gather together in worship and support one another in their faith journey. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we cultivate a lifestyle of rejoicing in the LORD, regardless of our circumstances? 2. In what ways can we honor the holiness of God's name in our daily interactions and decisions? 3. How does understanding the original Hebrew word for "rejoice" (simchu) deepen our appreciation for this command? 4. What are some practical ways we can encourage others in our community to join in praising God's holy name? 5. How do the themes of joy and praise in Psalm 97:12 connect with the New Testament teachings on rejoicing and thanksgiving? Connections to Other Scriptures Philippians 4:4This verse encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, echoing the call to joy found in Psalm 97:12. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18These verses emphasize rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks, aligning with the themes of joy and praise in Psalm 97:12. Psalm 30:4This verse also calls the faithful to sing praises to the LORD and give thanks to His holy name, reinforcing the message of Psalm 97:12. | Giving Thanks At the Remembrance of God's Holiness | James Smellie. | Psalm 97:12 | | Giving Thanks for God's Holiness | S. Conway | Psalm 97:12 | | Rejoicing in God | Bishop Smalridge. | Psalm 97:12 | | The Duty of Rejoicing | H. Melvill, B.D. | Psalm 97:12 | | The Inspiration of Cherished Memories | R. Tuck | Psalm 97:12 | | The Nature of Religious Joy | H. Bonar, D.D. | Psalm 97:12 | | How May Our Belief of God's Governing the World Support Us in All Worldly Distractions | S. Slater, M.A. | Psalm 97:1-12 | | Jehovah is King | R. C. Ford, M.A. | Psalm 97:1-12 | | Jehovah is King | S. Conway | Psalm 97:1-12 | | Jehovah's Sovereignty | H. Burton, B.A. | Psalm 97:1-12 | | The Consolation of God's Sovereignty | W. Clarkson, B.A. | Psalm 97:1-12 | | The Divine Government | Evangelical Preacher | Psalm 97:1-12 | | The Divine Government Matter O Universal Joy | C. Backus, M.A. | Psalm 97:1-12 | | The Divine Government of the Universe | W. Morrison, D.D. | Psalm 97:1-12 | | The Divine Government the Joy of Our World | S. Davies, M.A. | Psalm 97:1-12 | | The Fact and Consequence of the Divine Government | G. M. Mackie, M. A. | Psalm 97:1-12 | | The Lord Reigneth | J. H. Jowett, M.A. | Psalm 97:1-12 | | The Reign of God | R. Watson. | Psalm 97:1-12 | | The Reign of God Over the World | Homilist | Psalm 97:1-12 | | A Good Man Sensitive to Moral Evil | Dean Goulburn. | Psalm 97:10-12 | | Righteous Hatred | | Psalm 97:10-12 | | The Privileges and Duties of the Lord's People | | Psalm 97:10-12 |
People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Glad, Holiness, Holy, Memorial, Memory, O, Ones, Praise, Praising, Psalm, Rejoice, Remembrance, Righteous, Thanks, UprightDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 97:12 1065 God, holiness of Library August 13. "Clouds and Darkness are Round About Him" (Ps. Xcvii. 2).
"Clouds and darkness are round about Him" (Ps. xcvii. 2). The presence of clouds upon your sky, and trials in your path, is the very best evidence that you are following the pillar of cloud, and walking in the presence of God. They had to enter the cloud before they could behold the glory of the transfiguration, and a little later that same cloud became the chariot to receive the ascending Lord, and it is still waiting as the chariot that will bring His glorious appearing. Still it is true that white …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth June the Thirteenth Clouded but not Lost!
"Clouds and darkness are round about Him." --PSALM xcvii. When Lincoln had been assassinated, and word of the tragedy came to New York, "the people were in a state of mind which urges to violence." A man appeared on the balcony of one of the newspaper offices, waving a small flag, and a clear voice rang through the air: "Fellow-citizens! Clouds and darkness are round about Him! His pavilion is dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies! Justice and judgment are the habitation of His throne! Fellow-citizens, …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Righteous Hatred
The duty here enjoined is a general one to all God's people. We are to hate all evi--not some evils. It was said, you know, long ago, of certain professors, that they did "Compound for sins they were inclined to By damning those they had no mind to." And there are some, I dare say, at this day, who think others extremely guilty for committing iniquities which they do not care to commit, but they themselves commit other sins with which they deal very gently. O Christian, never take hold of sin, except …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 We Too are Thine.
"The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice."--Psalm 97:1. "Herr, unser Gott, mit Ehrfurcht dienen." [68]G. Tersteegen. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1858 Lord our God, in reverence lowly, The hosts of heaven call Thee "holy." From cherubim and seraphim, From angel phalanx, far extending, In fuller tones is still ascending The "holy, holy," of their hymn. The fount of joy Thou art, Ever filling every heart, Ever! ever! We too are Thine, and with them sing, "Thou, Lord, and only Thou art King." Lord, …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther The Morning Light
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. O ne strong internal proof that the Bible is a divine revelation, may be drawn from the subject matter; and particularly that it is the book, and the only book, that teaches us to …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Ascension of Messiah to Glory
Lift up your head, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. T he institutions of the Levitical law were a "shadow" or "sketch" of good things to come. They exhibited a faint and general outline …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Messiah Despised, and Rejected of Men
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief. T he heathen moralists, ignorant of the character and perfections of God, the true dignity and immorality of the soul, and the root and extent of human depravity, had no better foundation, for what they call virtue, than pride; no higher aim in their regulations, than the interests of society, and the conduct of civil life. They expressed, indeed, occasionally, some sentiments of a superior kind; but these, however just …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 97:12 NIVPsalm 97:12 NLTPsalm 97:12 ESVPsalm 97:12 NASBPsalm 97:12 KJV
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