Psalms 97:8

KJV

¶ Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Zion {H6726} heard {H8085}, and was glad {H8055}; and the daughters {H1323} of Judah {H3063} rejoiced {H1523} because of thy judgments {H4941}, O LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tziyon hears and is glad, ADONAI; the daughters of Y'hudah rejoice at your rulings.

Berean Standard Bible

Zion hears and rejoices, and the towns of Judah exult because of Your judgments, O LORD.

American Standard Version

Zion heard and was glad, And the daughters of Judah rejoiced, Because of thy judgments, O Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 97:8 powerfully depicts the communal and profound joy of God's covenant people, represented by Zion and the daughters of Judah, in response to the Lord's righteous judgments. This verse highlights that far from being a source of dread, God's divine interventions, decrees, and acts of justice are celebrated as clear manifestations of His perfect character, bringing order, vindication, and the ultimate triumph of His sovereign reign over all the earth. It encapsulates the deep security and gladness experienced by those who align themselves with God's holy nature and active governance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 97 is a vibrant psalm of enthronement, joyfully declaring the Lord's universal kingship. The preceding verses, particularly [Psalms 97:1-6](/psalms/97-1-6 "Psalm 97:1-6 - The Lord Reigns in Majesty"), vividly portray the Lord's majestic appearance, His awesome power over creation, and the cosmic response to His presence—mountains melting like wax and the heavens declaring His righteousness. [Psalms 97:7](/psalms/97-7 "Psalm 97:7 - Idols Shamed") then contrasts this divine glory with the shame of idol worshipers, emphatically asserting the supremacy of the one true God. Within this grand theological drama of divine power and righteousness, [Psalms 97:8](/psalms/97-8 "Psalm 97:8 - Zion's Joy in God's Judgments") shifts focus to the appropriate human response, specifically from His covenant people. Their rejoicing is presented as a natural and fitting reaction to these manifestations of His righteous rule and judgment, which bring light and order into a world often overshadowed by unrighteousness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For ancient Israel, particularly the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem (Zion), their identity was inextricably linked to God's covenant and His active involvement in their history. The concept of "judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, *mishpatim*) was foundational to their legal, ethical, and theological framework. It encompassed divine decrees, ordinances, and acts of justice that upheld righteousness, punished wickedness, and established societal order. In a geopolitical landscape frequently dominated by oppressive empires and marked by internal injustices, the Lord's judgments were not abstract concepts but tangible interventions that brought deliverance, vindication, and restoration for His people. Their rejoicing was deeply rooted in a worldview where God was not a distant, passive deity but an active, righteous King who intervened on behalf of His covenant people, fulfilling His promises and demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and their false gods.
* **Key Themes:**
* **God's Sovereignty and Reign:** The overarching theme of [Psalm 97](/psalms/97 "Psalm 97 - The Lord Reigns") is the Lord's undisputed kingship over all creation. [Psalms 97:8](/psalms/97-8 "Psalm 97:8 - Zion's Joy in God's Judgments") reinforces this by demonstrating that His "judgments" are the very means by which He exercises and demonstrates His sovereign authority, bringing order out of chaos and justice to the oppressed. The psalm begins with the declaration "[The Lord reigns!](/psalms/97-1 "Psalm 97:1 - The Lord Reigns")" and this verse shows the positive response to that reign.
* **Joy in Divine Justice:** A profound paradox for the unrighteous, God's judgments are presented as a source of immense joy for His faithful people. This gladness stems from the understanding that God's justice is not arbitrary but is the perfect expression of His holy character, leading to the vindication of truth and the ultimate triumph of righteousness, as seen in passages like [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness").
* **Zion as God's Covenant People:** "Zion" and "daughters of Judah" serve as metonymic representations for the community of God's covenant people, specifically Jerusalem and the inhabitants of Judah. They symbolize those who share a special relationship with the Lord and, therefore, rightly understand and celebrate His righteous interventions, distinguishing themselves from those who worship idols and are shamed by God's manifest glory, as described in [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem, Mount Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zion (Hebrew, _Tsîyôwn'_):** This term refers primarily to the fortified hill in Jerusalem, which became synonymous with the city itself, and by extension, for the people of God, the community of Israel. It symbolizes God's dwelling place and the spiritual center of His covenant people. Its "hearing" implies not just auditory reception but a profound understanding, acknowledgment, and appropriate response to God's actions and character.
* **Glad (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep sense of joy, gladness, or rejoicing. It describes a state of being brightened up or gleeful, often associated with celebration and worship. The gladness of Zion and the daughters of Judah is not a passive emotion but an active, communal expression of delight and affirmation of God's character and His just rule.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** Derived from the root *shâphaṭ* (to judge), this noun (appearing in plural form in the verse, *mishpatim*) refers to a verdict pronounced judicially, a sentence, or a formal decree. In this context, *mishpâṭ* encompasses God's righteous decrees, ordinances, and acts of justice. It refers to all of God's righteous dealings and interventions in the world, which bring about His desired order, vindication, and righteousness. It is not solely about punitive actions but about the establishment of divine order and the upholding of truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Zion heard, and was glad":** This clause personifies Zion, representing the spiritual and physical heart of God's people. "Heard" signifies not merely receiving information, but understanding and internalizing the profound implications of God's sovereign acts. This deep comprehension leads directly to a profound, heartfelt gladness, signifying their complete alignment with God's purposes and character.
* **"and the daughters of Judah rejoiced":** This phrase expands the scope of the joyful response beyond just Jerusalem (Zion) to encompass the entire region of Judah, further emphasizing the communal and widespread nature of this celebration. "Daughters of Judah" refers to the towns and inhabitants throughout the territory, signifying a collective, unified expression of joy and affirmation.
* **"because of thy judgments, O LORD":** This crucial phrase provides the explicit reason for the widespread rejoicing. The "judgments" of the Lord are the divine acts and decrees that manifest His righteousness, bringing order, justice, and vindication into the world. For God's people, these judgments are not a cause for fear or despair but for profound celebration, as they signify the triumph of God's holy character over unrighteousness and the establishment of His just and righteous reign. The direct address "O LORD" (Yahweh) underscores the personal and covenantal nature of this relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Personification** is prominently featured in "Zion heard, and was glad," attributing human actions and emotions—hearing and gladness—to a geographical location that represents the collective people of God. This technique makes the response more vivid, relatable, and communal. The phrase "daughters of Judah" functions as a **metonymy**, where a part (the towns and their inhabitants) represents the whole (the entire region of Judah), broadening the scope of the rejoicing and emphasizing its widespread nature. The entire verse also serves as a powerful **antithesis** to the preceding verse, [Psalms 97:7](/psalms/97-7 "Psalm 97:7 - Idols Shamed"), which describes the shame and bowing down of idol worshipers. While idols are put to shame and their worshipers confounded, God's people rejoice, highlighting the stark contrast between the fate of those who reject the true God and those who embrace His righteous rule. Finally, the verse's structure, moving from a specific focal point (Zion) to a broader scope (daughters of Judah) and then explicitly stating the divine cause, creates a sense of escalating and unified affirmation of God's just and sovereign reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound joy expressed in [Psalms 97:8](/psalms/97-8 "Psalm 97:8 - Zion's Joy in God's Judgments") over God's judgments reveals a fundamental theological truth: for those who are in covenant with God, His justice is not a threat but a glorious promise of ultimate vindication and restoration. Unlike the unrighteous who dread divine judgment, the faithful understand that God's interventions bring about His perfect will, establish righteousness, and deliver from oppression. This perspective transforms judgment from a concept of fear into a source of profound hope and celebration, as it signifies the active reign of a holy and just God who is working all things for the good of those who love Him and for the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. It underscores that God's justice is intrinsically linked to His faithfulness and His commitment to His covenant people.
* [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness")
* [Isaiah 25:9](/isaiah/25-9 "Isaiah 25:9 - We Have Waited for Him")
* [Revelation 19:1-2](/revelation/19-1-2 "Revelation 19:1-2 - Rejoicing Over God's Judgments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often marked by profound injustice, suffering, and the apparent triumph of wickedness, [Psalms 97:8](/psalms/97-8 "Psalm 97:8 - Zion's Joy in God's Judgments") offers a powerful and counter-cultural call to joy. It challenges believers to cultivate a mindset that sees God's active involvement in the world, even His "judgments," as profound reasons for gladness rather than despair. This requires a deep and abiding trust in God's character—that He is perfectly just, immutably righteous, and absolutely sovereign, and that His ultimate purposes are for good. Our rejoicing in His judgments is an act of profound faith, affirming that He remains on His throne, actively working to bring about His kingdom of righteousness and peace. It encourages us to align our hearts with God's justice, celebrating when His truth is vindicated and His purposes are fulfilled, and to live in hopeful anticipation of the day when all wrongs will be made right and His perfect will fully established.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does your understanding of God's "judgments" impact your emotional response to His sovereignty and His active role in the world?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's justice, even when current circumstances seem overwhelmingly unjust or chaotic?**
* **How can the church, as the modern-day Zion, better reflect the joy of God's people in response to His righteous rule and the unfolding of His divine purposes?**

### FAQ
**What does "judgments" mean in this context?**

Answer: In [Psalms 97:8](/psalms/97-8 "Psalm 97:8 - Zion's Joy in God's Judgments"), "judgments" (Hebrew: *mishpatim*) refers to God's righteous decrees, ordinances, and acts of justice. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses more than just punitive sentencing; it includes all of God's interventions and dealings in the world that uphold righteousness, establish divine order, and bring about His desired will. For His people, these judgments are not a source of fear but a cause for profound celebration because they signify God's active reign, His vindication of the righteous, and the ultimate triumph of truth over wickedness. This aligns perfectly with the broader theme of God's just and sovereign rule throughout [Psalm 97](/psalms/97 "Psalm 97 - The Lord Reigns").

**Why would God's people be "glad" about His judgments?**

Answer: God's people are glad about His judgments because they understand that these judgments are direct manifestations of His perfect righteousness and unwavering sovereignty. For those who trust in the Lord and are in covenant with Him, His justice means deliverance from oppression, the vindication of His truth, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. Unlike the wicked, who rightly fear God's judgment, the faithful see it as the necessary and glorious means by which God brings order to a chaotic world, punishes evil, and establishes His righteous reign. It signifies that God is actively involved in the world, ensuring that ultimately, justice will prevail and His purposes will be fulfilled, bringing immense comfort and security to His faithful, as also seen in [Isaiah 26:9](/isaiah/26-9 "Isaiah 26:9 - When Your judgments are in the earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalms 97:8](/psalms/97-8 "Psalm 97:8 - Zion's Joy in God's Judgments") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate embodiment of God's righteous judgments and the singular source of true gladness for all who believe. While the Old Testament judgments often involved temporal interventions, Christ's first coming inaugurated a new era of divine judgment, culminating in His atoning sacrifice on the cross. There, He bore the full wrath of God against sin, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His glorious resurrection was God's supreme vindication of His righteousness and His decisive triumph over death and evil, a cause for universal rejoicing for those who put their faith in Him, as proclaimed by the angels bringing [good news of great joy](/luke/2-10-11 "Luke 2:10-11 - Good News of Great Joy"). Moreover, Christ is appointed by God to be the [judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, Judge of Living and Dead"), and for believers, this future judgment is not a source of dread but of blessed hope and eager anticipation, knowing that He will finally establish perfect justice and usher in His eternal kingdom of righteousness, where there will be [no more tears or pain](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears"). Thus, the gladness of Zion over God's judgments is fully realized in the profound joy of salvation and the blessed hope found in Christ, whose righteous rule brings ultimate peace and everlasting joy to His redeemed people.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 48:11

Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

Matthew 21:4

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

Matthew 21:9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

Isaiah 62:11

Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

Zechariah 9:9

¶ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: