Psalms – Chapter 97

Old Testament • 9 Verses

Chapter Summary

"A psalm for David himself. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him…" — so begins Psalms 97. David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 9 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and sin and divine judgment. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1A psalm for David himself. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

2The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

5Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm:

6With long trumpets, and sound of cornet. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king:

7Let the sea be moved and the fullness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein.

8The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together

9At the presence of the Lord: because he cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with equity.

Important Verses in Psalms 97

“A psalm for David himself. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.”

Psalms 97:1

“Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.”

Psalms 97:4

“At the presence of the Lord: because he cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with equity. ”

Psalms 97:9

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 97 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 9 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "A psalm for David himself. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand…" The final verse reads: "At the presence of the Lord: because he cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the…" Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "A psalm for David himself. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his…" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 97 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Athanasius and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 721).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 97 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). Here the believer is invited to ponder the beatitudes as a program of life.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 1095) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 97 about?

Psalms 97 contains 9 verses. It opens with "A psalm for David himself. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand…" and closes with "At the presence of the Lord: because he cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the…". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 97?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "A psalm for David himself. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 97?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 24Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Chronicles 16Shares people and themes with this chapterSirach 45Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison

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