Psalms 97:8

8 The people of Zion are glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, O Lord.

Psalms 97:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 97:8

Zion heard, and was glad
Or, the congregation of Zion, as the Targum; the church of Christ, and the members of it, called Zion, in allusion to the mountain of that name, in which the temple stood; a type of the church, ( Hebrews 12:22 ) , these heard the Gospel, the good news and glad tidings of good things; they heard that Zion's King reigned, and that his kingdom was enlarged, and interest increased; they heard the heavenly men declare his righteousness, by which they are justified from all things; they heard of the conversion of the Gentiles, and the confusion of idolaters; of the incarnation of Christ, and of his being worshipped by angels; all which filled them with joy and gladness:

and the daughters of Judah rejoiced;
particular congregated churches, particular believers and professors of Christ and his Gospel; these rejoiced at the above things, as well as because of what follows:

because of thy judgments, O Lord;
either the doctrines of the Gospel, which come from the God of judgment, and are according to his justice and holiness; and are matter of joy and gladness when they are spread in the world, and succeed to the conversion of sinners, the comfort of saints and the glory of Christ; see ( Psalms 19:9 Psalms 19:10 ) , or his judgments upon his enemies, and the enemies of his church and people; which also are an occasion of rejoicing to them, because Christ is thereby glorified in his power, justice, truth, and faithfulness, ( Revelation 19:1 Revelation 19:2 ) .

Psalms 97:8 In-Context

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the nations see his glory.
7 Everyone who worships idols is put to shame; all the gods bow down before the Lord.
8 The people of Zion are glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, O Lord.
9 Lord Almighty, you are ruler of all the earth; you are much greater than all the gods.
10 The Lord loves those who hate evil; he protects the lives of his people; he rescues them from the power of the wicked.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.