Psalms 97:7

KJV

Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

Confounded {H954} be all they that serve {H5647} graven images {H6459}, that boast {H1984} themselves of idols {H457}: worship {H7812} him, all ye gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All who worship images will be put to shame, those who make their boast in worthless idols. Bow down to him, all you gods!

Berean Standard Bible

All worshipers of images are put to shame— those who boast in idols. Worship Him, all you gods!

American Standard Version

Let all them be put to shame that serve graven images, That boast themselves of idols: Worship him, all ye gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 97:7 is a potent declaration of God's unrivaled sovereignty, pronouncing judgment and confusion upon all who serve and boast in worthless idols, while simultaneously issuing a universal summons for every perceived power and authority—whether heavenly or earthly—to bow down and worship the one true God. This verse starkly contrasts the futility and shame associated with idolatry against the majestic and absolute supremacy of the Lord, demanding exclusive allegiance and adoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 97 belongs to a distinct collection of "Enthronement Psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-99), which celebrate the Lord's universal kingship and reign. Immediately preceding it, Psalm 96 calls for all the earth to sing a new song to the Lord, proclaiming His salvation and glory among the nations, and anticipating His coming to judge the earth in righteousness. Psalm 97 then vividly portrays the Lord's majestic advent, with clouds and thick darkness surrounding Him, fire going before Him, and His lightnings illuminating the world, causing the earth to tremble. This dramatic depiction of divine power sets the stage for the condemnation of idols and the universal call to worship in verse 7, demonstrating that in the face of such overwhelming glory, all other claims to divinity are exposed as utterly powerless and deserving of shame. The psalm culminates in the joy of the righteous who delight in the Lord's holiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a polytheistic landscape, characterized by numerous gods, goddesses, and cultic practices involving "graven images" (פסל, _pesel_) and "idols" (אלילים, _elilim_). Nations surrounding Israel worshipped deities like Baal, Asherah, Dagon, and Molech, often represented by physical statues and associated with specific natural phenomena or societal functions. Israel itself, despite the clear monotheistic commands of the Mosaic Law, frequently struggled with syncretism and outright idolatry, as evidenced throughout the historical books (e.g., [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal")). The term "gods" (אלהים, _elohim_) in the ancient world could refer to various entities: divine beings in the heavenly court (e.g., [Psalm 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God stands in the divine assembly")), human rulers or judges who acted with divine authority (e.g., [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - You are gods, sons of the Most High")), or the false deities of other nations. This verse, therefore, functions as a powerful polemic against the prevailing idolatry of the time, asserting YHWH's unique and absolute sovereignty over all these perceived powers and entities.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Psalm 97, deeply embedded in verse 7, is the **absolute sovereignty and kingship of YHWH**. This is underscored by the **condemnation of idolatry**, which is presented as futile and deserving of shame. The psalm emphasizes that any worship directed away from the true God is misguided and will ultimately lead to "confusion" or disgrace for the worshiper. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **universal call to worship**, extending the command to "all ye gods," thereby asserting God's dominion not only over humanity but over all spiritual and earthly powers. This theme aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's unique identity as Creator and Sustainer, against whom all other "gods" are exposed as mere fabrications (e.g., [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - The Folly of Idolatry")). The psalm also touches on **divine judgment** against wickedness and **light versus darkness**, as God's presence dispels the darkness of idolatry and brings joy to the righteous.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confounded (Hebrew, _bosh_):** This verb signifies to be put to shame, disgraced, or utterly disappointed. It implies a sense of humiliation and the failure of one's expectations or reliance. Here, it is a declaration that those who trust in idols will ultimately find their confidence shattered and their efforts futile, leading to public disgrace and spiritual emptiness.
* **Graven images (Hebrew, _pesel_):** Refers to carved or hewn images, typically made of wood or stone, often overlaid with precious metals. These were tangible representations of deities, crafted by human hands, and served as focal points for pagan worship. The term emphasizes their human origin and material composition, contrasting sharply with the uncreated, living God.
* **Idols (Hebrew, _elilim_):** This term is often used contemptuously in the Old Testament to denote false gods, carrying connotations of worthlessness, nothingness, or even "things of naught." It highlights the theological emptiness and powerlessness of these supposed deities, underscoring that they are non-existent in any true sense of divine being.
* **Gods (Hebrew, _elohim_):** While most commonly referring to the one true God, YHWH, this plural noun can also denote divine beings (such as angels or members of the heavenly court), powerful human rulers or judges, or even the false deities of other nations. In this context, the command "worship him, all ye gods" is a sweeping declaration of YHWH's supreme authority, demanding homage from every conceivable power or entity, whether spiritual, human, or even the personified false gods themselves, acknowledging their subservience to the one true God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Confounded be all they that serve graven images":** This clause is a strong imprecation or declaration of judgment. It pronounces shame and disgrace upon those who devote themselves to the worship of physical representations of false deities. Their misplaced faith and effort will result in utter futility and public humiliation, demonstrating the powerlessness of their chosen objects of worship.
* **"that boast themselves of idols":** This phrase further specifies the nature of the idolaters' sin: not merely serving, but also taking pride and confidence in their false gods. It highlights the arrogance and misplaced trust that accompanies idolatry, emphasizing that their boasting is ultimately empty and will lead to their downfall when confronted by the true God's majesty.
* **"worship him, all [ye] gods":** This is the climactic command of the verse, a universal imperative for all "gods" to bow down and worship the Lord. This command asserts God's absolute supremacy over every other power or authority, whether heavenly beings, earthly rulers, or even the personified false deities themselves. It is a declaration that in the presence of the true King, all other claims to divinity or authority must yield and offer homage.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 97:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine supremacy and the futility of idolatry. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or inanimate entity. Here, the psalmist directly addresses "graven images," "idols," and "all ye gods," as if they are present and capable of hearing the declaration of their impending confusion and the command to worship. This rhetorical device amplifies the dramatic impact and underscores the universal scope of God's authority. **Parallelism**, specifically antithetical parallelism, is evident in the contrast between the first part of the verse, which describes the "confounding" of idolaters, and the second part, which commands "all ye gods" to worship the true God. This juxtaposition highlights the stark difference in outcome between serving false gods (shame) and acknowledging the true God (worship). The phrase "all ye gods" also functions as **Hyperbole** or a statement of **Cosmic Scope**, emphasizing the absolute and limitless nature of God's dominion, extending His authority over every conceivable power in the universe. If "gods" refers to false deities, there is an element of **Personification**, as these inert objects are commanded to perform an action (worship) typically associated with living beings, further emphasizing their forced submission to YHWH. Finally, the use of the **Imperative Mood** ("worship him") signifies a direct, authoritative command, leaving no room for negotiation or alternative allegiances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 97:7 stands as a foundational statement regarding God's unique identity and the nature of true worship. Theologically, it affirms radical monotheism, declaring that only YHWH is truly God, and all other claimants to divinity are either non-existent, powerless, or subservient to Him. This verse underscores the biblical principle that worship is due to God alone, and any deviation into idolatry—whether the worship of physical images or the devotion of one's life to anything other than God—is an affront to His sovereignty and will ultimately lead to spiritual and existential "confusion." It highlights the futility of human-made religion and the inherent worthlessness of anything we elevate above the Creator. The command for "all ye gods" to worship Him extends the scope of God's dominion beyond humanity to encompass all spiritual and earthly powers, asserting His ultimate authority over the entire cosmos.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idol-Making")
* [1 Corinthians 8:4-6](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4-6 - There is no God but one")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of Psalms 97:7 addresses the physical "graven images" and "idols" prevalent in ancient societies, its timeless truth resonates profoundly with contemporary life. Modern idolatry often takes more subtle forms, yet it remains equally insidious. Anything that occupies the place of ultimate devotion, trust, or source of identity in our lives—be it wealth, career, relationships, social status, personal comfort, technology, or even self-image—can become an "idol" that demands our worship and boasts of its ability to satisfy. This verse challenges us to critically examine our hearts and priorities, asking where our ultimate confidence lies and what truly commands our deepest allegiance. It calls us to recognize that any such misplaced worship will ultimately lead to "confusion" and emptiness, as these false gods are incapable of delivering true satisfaction, security, or meaning. The imperative to "worship him, all ye gods" serves as a powerful reminder that our worship must be exclusive, holistic, and directed solely towards the one true God, who alone is worthy of our adoration and capable of fulfilling our deepest longings. It invites us to dismantle the idols in our lives, both overt and hidden, and to re-center our devotion on the Lord, acknowledging His supreme reign over every facet of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "graven images" or "idols" in my life today that subtly or overtly compete for my ultimate devotion and trust?**
* **In what areas do I "boast myself" or place my confidence in things other than God, and how has this led to "confusion" or disappointment?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to "worship him, all [ye] gods" in my daily decisions, relationships, and aspirations?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "gods" mentioned in this verse that are commanded to worship the Lord?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "gods" is _elohim_, which is a plural noun that can have several interpretations depending on the context. In Psalms 97:7, it is most commonly understood in three ways, all of which ultimately underscore the supremacy of YHWH:
1. **Divine Beings/Heavenly Host:** This refers to angels or other spiritual beings who serve in God's heavenly court. In this interpretation, the verse commands all celestial powers to acknowledge and worship the one true God, demonstrating His authority over the entire spiritual realm (cf. [Hebrews 1:6](/hebrews/1-6 "Hebrews 1:6 - Let all God's angels worship Him")).
2. **Earthly Rulers/Judges:** In some biblical contexts, _elohim_ can refer to powerful human authorities, such as kings or judges, who are seen as representing divine authority on earth (e.g., [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - You are gods, sons of the Most High")). If this interpretation is applied, the verse commands all earthly powers and authorities to bow before the Lord.
3. **False Deities/Idols Personified:** This interpretation views the "gods" as the personified false deities worshipped by other nations. In this polemical sense, the verse declares that even these supposed gods, though powerless and non-existent in reality, are forced to acknowledge the superior power and majesty of YHWH.
Regardless of the precise interpretation, the core message is clear: every power, authority, and supposed deity, whether real or imagined, must ultimately submit to and worship the Lord alone, affirming His absolute and unrivaled sovereignty over all creation.

**How does this verse relate to modern-day idolatry, given that physical idol worship is less common in many cultures?**

Answer: While overt worship of physical "graven images" may be less prevalent in many contemporary societies, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Modern idolatry often manifests in more subtle and insidious forms. An idol is anything that takes the place of God in our lives—anything we trust in, derive our ultimate meaning from, or give our deepest allegiance to, other than the Creator. This can include:
* **Material possessions and wealth:** When money or possessions become our primary source of security or identity (cf. [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You cannot serve God and money")).
* **Career or success:** When professional achievement defines our worth or consumes our devotion.
* **Relationships:** When a person or relationship becomes the ultimate source of fulfillment or happiness, replacing God.
* **Self-image and reputation:** When our perceived worth or public approval dictates our choices and values.
* **Pleasure and comfort:** When the pursuit of ease and gratification becomes our highest aim.
* **Ideologies or political systems:** When a particular worldview or political agenda is elevated to an ultimate authority.
The call to be "confounded" for serving idols means that anything we put in God's place will ultimately disappoint, fail, and lead to spiritual emptiness. The command to "worship him, all [ye] gods" is a timeless summons for us to examine our hearts, dismantle these modern idols, and re-center our lives on the one true God, giving Him exclusive and holistic worship as the supreme authority and source of all good.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 97:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the Lord's supreme sovereignty and the one before whom "all [ye] gods" must bow. The "graven images" and "idols" that confuse and shame their worshipers are utterly exposed as powerless by the Incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Christ. He is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - The Supremacy of Christ")), the true and living representation of divinity, in stark contrast to the lifeless, man-made idols. His coming revealed the futility of any worship directed toward created things, demonstrating that true satisfaction and salvation are found only in Him. The command for "all ye gods" to worship the Lord finds its New Testament echo in the universal dominion granted to Jesus. As [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation") declares, "God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This includes all spiritual powers, earthly authorities, and even the very concept of false deities, all of whom must ultimately acknowledge Christ's supreme authority. He is the true object of worship, the one who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through whom alone we can approach the Father and offer acceptable worship. His victory over sin and death means that all who boast in anything other than Him will indeed be "confounded," while those who worship Him will find eternal life and true glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.