Second Coming · The reign of the LORD
Psalm 97:1-9
David · ~1000 BC · Status: Future · Confidence: 60%
“The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.”
King James Version · the opening — all 9 verses are below
An enthronement psalm celebrating the LORD's universal reign in righteousness, before whom all peoples see His glory.
Read the whole passage — all 9 verses (KJV)
97:1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
97:2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
97:3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
97:4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
97:5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
97:6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
97:7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
97:8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
97:9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
Fulfillment References
Hebrews 1:6 Revelation 11:15 Psalm 96:13 Philippians 2:10-11
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal'The LORD reigneth' is fulfilled in Jesus, before whom every knee bows; Hebrews 1:6 applies this psalm's worship (v.7) to Christ — the one God.
JewishAn enthronement psalm celebrating the LORD's universal kingship and righteous judgment, sung in anticipation of His reign over all.
CatholicThe reign of God revealed in Christ, whose lordship the heavens proclaim; read of His coming in glory.
ProtestantCelebrates God's sovereign, righteous reign — applied to Christ's present and coming kingdom.
OrthodoxThe theophany of the reigning LORD, fulfilled in Christ's manifestation and glory.
DispensationalAnticipates the LORD's universal reign realized in the millennial kingdom of Christ.
AcademicOne of the YHWH-malak ('the LORD reigns') enthronement psalms, celebrating divine kingship with theophany imagery.
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Audio narration (listen to this prophecy read aloud), cross-references, Hebrew/Greek, Dead Sea Scrolls notes, a prophetic timeline, network maps, study tools and multi-tradition analysis in the interactive explorer.