Psalms 97:12

Psalms 97:12 is a vibrant call to worship, urging believers to find their joy and gratitude in the very character of God. It encapsulates a profound truth: true rejoicing and thanksgiving spring from a deep apprehension of who God is, particularly His perfect holiness.

Context

Psalm 97 is part of a cluster of psalms (Psalms 93-99) often referred to as "Enthronement Psalms," which celebrate the LORD's universal reign and majesty. The psalm describes God's awesome presence (verses 2-5), His righteous judgments over the earth (verses 6-7), and the joy His people experience as a result of His just and saving acts (verses 8-9). Amidst these declarations of divine sovereignty and power, verse 12 serves as a direct exhortation to those who belong to Him, prompting them to respond with appropriate worship and adoration. It contrasts with the idolaters mentioned earlier in the psalm, who are put to shame.

Key Themes

• Divine Joy and Command: The command to "Rejoice in the LORD" is not merely an emotional suggestion but a spiritual imperative. This joy is not circumstantial but is rooted in God's unchanging nature. It echoes similar exhortations found throughout Scripture, such as Paul's command to "Rejoice in the Lord alway".
• The Identity of the Righteous: The call is specifically addressed to "ye righteous." In the Old Testament, the righteous are those who live in covenant faithfulness to God, striving to obey His laws and walk in His ways. Their righteousness is often imputed by faith, as seen in figures like Abraham, and demonstrated through their conduct. This theme is central to understanding the blessedness described in Psalm 1:6.
• The Foundation of Thanksgiving: God's Holiness: The instruction to "give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness" highlights the ultimate reason for gratitude. God's holiness (Hebrew: qodesh, קֹדֶשׁ) signifies His absolute purity, moral perfection, and His complete separation from all that is sinful and profane. It encompasses His majesty, righteousness, and inherent glory. Remembering this attribute evokes awe, reverence, and profound thankfulness, as it is His holiness that makes Him worthy of worship and distinct from all creation. The repeated declaration of "Holy, holy, holy" in Isaiah 6:3 further underscores its supreme importance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "holiness" (qodesh, קֹדֶשׁ) carries the primary meaning of "separation" or "set-apartness." When applied to God, it speaks not only of His moral purity but also of His transcendent nature, His uniqueness, and His absolute distinction from everything else. It is the essence of His divine being that demands reverence and worship.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 97:12 offers a timeless encouragement:

• Cultivate God-Centered Joy: Our joy should not depend on fleeting circumstances but on the unchanging character of God. When we remember His sovereignty, His justice, and His love, our joy can be constant.
• Practice Intentional Thanksgiving: Giving thanks is an act of spiritual discipline. We are called to actively "remember" God's holiness, meditating on His perfect nature and His righteous deeds. This remembrance transforms our perspective and fosters genuine gratitude, as urged in Colossians 3:17.
• Live Righteously: The call to rejoice and give thanks is directed to the "righteous." This implies that a life striving for holiness and alignment with God's will is intrinsically linked to experiencing and expressing divine joy and gratitude.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the foundation of our worship and spiritual well-being lies in an active, grateful remembrance of God's holy and majestic character.