Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#97

97. God Reigns: Let Earth Rejoice!

Text Information

• First Line: God reigns: let earth rejoice!
• Title: God Reigns: Let Earth Rejoice!
• Versifier: Marie J. Post (1981)
• Meter: 66 77 66 66 6
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 97
• Topic: Biblical Names & Places: Judah; King, God/Christ as; Return of Christ; Christmas; Joy; Majesty of God; New Creation; Thanksgiving & Gratitude
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Tune Information

• Name: GENEVAN 97
• Harmonizer: Dale Grotenhuis (1985)
• Meter: 66 77 66 66 6
• Key: C Major
• Source: Genevan Psalter, 1562
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Text Information:

A joyful celebration of the LORD's righteous rule over all the world.

Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-2
st. 2 = vv. 3-6
st. 3 = vv. 7-9
st. 4 = vv. 10-12

Singing Psalm 97 in the liturgy of a high festival such as the Feast of Tabernacles, the Levites exhorted all peoples of the earth to turn from their powerless idols (v. 7) and to rejoice in the LORD, whose reign is universal, righteous, and eternal (st. 1). Mighty displays of God's power over creation show the righteousness of God's rule and the majesty of God's glory (st. 2). With the people of Israel, we rejoice that God is "Most High over all the earth" (st. 3), and we remember that the LORD grants favor and protection only to those who hate evil and are upright in heart (st. 4). Marie J. Post (PHH 5) versified this psalm in 1981 for the Psalter Hymnal.

Liturgical Use:
Christmas; Ascension; mission and evangelism celebrations.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

First published in the 1562 edition of the Genevan Psalter, GENEVAN 97 is set in the Ionian mode (major) and consists of four long lines (with some internal repetition) and a coda-like final phrase. The harmonization (1985) is by Dale Grotenhuis (PHH 4). This tune bears spirited singing with full accompaniment but should not be rushed.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook