Throughout this psalm, a prevailing note of celebration sets the tone. The verse declares, “Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones, And give thanks to His holy name.” (Psalms 97:12). Embedded here is a summons for those who pursue righteousness to recognize God as their source of joy. Calling the faithful to rejoice is not a mere emotional suggestion but an active response to God’s goodness and justice, embracing the reality of His reign over all creation. While Psalms 97 does not explicitly mention a geographical setting, the overarching theme conveys that God reigns over every place on earth, establishing His omnipresence and sovereignty.
The command, “Be glad in the LORD” (v.12), points to the eternal nature of God—He is worthy of praise not only for His acts in biblical history but also for His ongoing role in sustaining and guiding His people. This mantle of joy extends from the recognition of His “holy name,” a phrase that signifies the entirety of His character and faithfulness. In ancient Israelite culture, a person’s name embodied their traits and reputation. Therefore, giving thanks to God’s holy name encompasses praising all He is and all He does. Many scholars attribute various psalms to David, who lived from around 1010 to 970 BC, though the exact authorship of this particular psalm is not definitively determined. Still, it remains firmly placed in the Psalter, calling the Old Testament faithful, and by extension all believers, to worship wholeheartedly.
Furthermore, this verse resonates with the New Testament call to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). The tradition of joyful thanksgiving, integrated into the practice of early Christians, finds roots in the psalms’ exhortations. Such praise carries an eschatological hope, looking forward to the final victory of the Lord—an event that believers see fulfilled ultimately in Jesus Christ, who is often called the Holy One of God (Luke 4:34). Hence, rejoicing in the Lord is not a transient act, but a lasting posture anchored in God’s unchanging nature.
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Psalms 97:12 meaning
Throughout this psalm, a prevailing note of celebration sets the tone. The verse declares, “Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones, And give thanks to His holy name.” (Psalms 97:12). Embedded here is a summons for those who pursue righteousness to recognize God as their source of joy. Calling the faithful to rejoice is not a mere emotional suggestion but an active response to God’s goodness and justice, embracing the reality of His reign over all creation. While Psalms 97 does not explicitly mention a geographical setting, the overarching theme conveys that God reigns over every place on earth, establishing His omnipresence and sovereignty.
The command, “Be glad in the LORD” (v.12), points to the eternal nature of God—He is worthy of praise not only for His acts in biblical history but also for His ongoing role in sustaining and guiding His people. This mantle of joy extends from the recognition of His “holy name,” a phrase that signifies the entirety of His character and faithfulness. In ancient Israelite culture, a person’s name embodied their traits and reputation. Therefore, giving thanks to God’s holy name encompasses praising all He is and all He does. Many scholars attribute various psalms to David, who lived from around 1010 to 970 BC, though the exact authorship of this particular psalm is not definitively determined. Still, it remains firmly placed in the Psalter, calling the Old Testament faithful, and by extension all believers, to worship wholeheartedly.
Furthermore, this verse resonates with the New Testament call to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). The tradition of joyful thanksgiving, integrated into the practice of early Christians, finds roots in the psalms’ exhortations. Such praise carries an eschatological hope, looking forward to the final victory of the Lord—an event that believers see fulfilled ultimately in Jesus Christ, who is often called the Holy One of God (Luke 4:34). Hence, rejoicing in the Lord is not a transient act, but a lasting posture anchored in God’s unchanging nature.