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:
Topic: Biblical Names & Places: Judah; King, God/Christ as; Return of Christ (5 more...)
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


Media
MIDI file: MIDI
MIDI file: MIDI Preview
(Faith Alive Christian Resources)

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us