Study Guide – Psalm 97


1 The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;
    let the distant shores rejoice.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
    and consumes his foes on every side.
4 His lightning lights up the world;
    the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
    before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
    and all peoples see his glory.

7 All who worship images are put to shame,
    those who boast in idols—
    worship him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and rejoices
    and the villages of Judah are glad
    because of your judgments, Lord.
    you are exalted far above all gods.
10 Let those who love the Lord hate evil,
    for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
    and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light shines on the righteous
    and joy on the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
    and praise his holy name. NIV


Why should the earth rejoice that the Lord is king? Why is that a good thing?


In verse 2, what do the "clouds and darkness" represent?


What is God's throne established upon? Thinking back to verse 1, how does this foundation give the earth a reason to rejoice?


Look at verses 3-6. Describe the scene of God's throne. How could this make the earth rejoice?


What does verse 1 have to do with verse 7-10? 


How do verses 11-12 fit with verse 1?



Imagine what it would be like for your city/region to respond to God's rule the way Jerusalem does in verses 7-10. Take some time to describe what that could be like… and then take some time to pray that this would become true for your city/region.

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