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Imagine Psalm 97 as the psalmist’s Christmas sermon. It is full of proclamations about the Lord’s identity and deeds and about creation’s response to such identity and deeds. There is even a concluding call for the hearers to join in rejoicing and giving thanks. The hearers of this sermon (you and me) will walk away … Continue reading “Psalm 97 Commentary by Shauna Hannan”

Psalm 97 is one of only seven psalms in the book of Psalms that is classified as an enthronement psalm (Psalms 47, 93, 95-99). These psalms are distinguished from the royal psalms (Psalms 2, 18, 20, 21, 45, 72, 101, 110, 132, 144) in that the subject matter of the royal psalms is the human … Continue reading “Psalm 97 Commentary by Nancy deClaissé-Walford”

Ascension Day falls on a Thursday, but many churches observe it on the Seventh Sunday of Easter. Feel free to consult Working Preacher for Ascension Day (May 9) as well as for Easter 7 (May 12). With Pentecost just one week away, the Seventh Sunday of Easter gives us a place from which to look … Continue reading “Psalm 97 Commentary by Nancy Koester”

On Christmas Day, when families in pajamas unwrap gifts under their trees, monks in monasteries all around the world rise to chant Psalm 97.  This psalm might even be recited in a few churches (those that utilize all the lections), and perhaps even heard by the handful of the zealous who leave the presents behind … Continue reading “Psalm 97 Commentary by James Howell”

The first line of Psalm 97 marks it as one of several “enthronement psalms” found in the Psalter (Psalms 47, 93, 95-99). These psalms typically feature the phrase “The Lord is king,” sometimes translated “The Lord reigns” or “The Lord has become king” (93:1; 95:3; 96:10; 98:6; 99:1; cf. 47:7-8). These different translations reflect alternate … Continue reading “Psalm 97 Commentary by Joel LeMon”

The now well-known hymn “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” was performed for the first time on February 12, 1900, at the segregated Stanton Elementary School in Jacksonville, FL. James Weldon Johnson, principal of Stanton and author of the poem, wrote the piece for his students as part of a celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Later, … Continue reading “Psalm 97 Commentary by Karla Suomala”

Psalm 96 is one of five psalms in Book Four of the Psalter that are classified as Enthronement Psalms, psalms that celebrate the reign of God as king over all creation. God as king is a prevalent theme in Christian worship. We offer prayers to God the king; hymns about God as king ring in … Continue reading “Psalm 96:1-9 [10-13] Commentary by Nancy deClaissé-Walford”

Psalm 96 is one of five psalms in Book Four of the Psalter that are classified as Enthronement Psalms, psalms that celebrate the reign of God as king over all creation. God as king is a prevalent theme in Christian worship. We offer prayers to God the king; hymns about God as king ring in … Continue reading “Psalm 96 Commentary by Nancy deClaissé-Walford”

Is it too idealistic to think that Christmas Eve is one of those times when so many of us (if not all) are ready and willing to do what this psalm exhorts us to do? Sing to the Lord, bless his name, tell of his salvation, ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name, … Continue reading “Psalm 96 Commentary by Shauna Hannan”

Somewhere in the list of top ten things preaching professors say to students stand the requests to “be specific,” “be concrete.” Psalm 96 is chock full of imperatives to laud, praise, extol, bless (thank), and worship God, but curiously stingy with concrete, specific reasons why. Imperatives outweigh indicatives by about six to one! But careful … Continue reading “Psalm 96 Commentary by Henry Langknecht”