Psalms 97:8-12

Context

97:8 Zion hears and rejoices,

the towns¹ of Judah are happy,

because of your judgments, O Lord.

97:9 For you, O Lord, are the sovereign king² over the whole earth;

you are elevated high above all gods.

97:10 You who love the Lord, hate evil!

He protects³ the lives of his faithful followers;

he delivers them from the power⁴ of the wicked.

97:11 The godly bask in the light;

the morally upright experience joy.⁵

97:12 You godly ones, rejoice in the Lord!

Give thanks to his holy name.⁶

[97:8] ¹tn Heb “daughters.” The term “daughters” refers to the cities of Judah surrounding Zion (see Ps 48:11 and H. Haag, TDOT 2:336).

[97:9] ²tn Traditionally “Most High.”

[97:10] ³tn The participle may be verbal, though it might also be understood as substantival and appositional to “the Lord.” In this case one could translate, “Hate evil, you who love the Lord, the one who protects the lives…and delivers them.”

[97:10] ⁴tn Heb “hand.”

[97:11] ⁵tn Heb “Light is planted for the godly, and for the upright of heart joy.” The translation assumes an emendation of זָרַע (zara’, “planted”) to זָרַח (zara’, “shines”) which collocates more naturally with “light.” “Light” here symbolizes the joy (note the following line) that accompanies deliverance and the outpouring of divine favor.

[97:12] ⁶tn Heb “to his holy remembrance.” The Hebrew noun זָכַר (zakhar, “remembrance”) here refers to the name of the Lord as invoked in liturgy and praise. Cf. Pss 6:5; 30:4. The Lord’s “name” is “holy” in the sense that it is a reminder of his uniqueness and greatness.