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Psalms 97 · Grade 5

Righteousness and Justice

Name Date

Read and Think

Psalm 97 has no title and continues the theme of the psalms that proclaim, Yahweh reigns! Its picture of God's coming draws on Sinai: Clouds and darkness are around him. A fire goes before him. His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

At the center of the storm is a moral foundation: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. The same power that shakes mountains is ruled by goodness. So the heavens declare his righteousness, and all the peoples have seen his glory. Against this, those who serve engraved images and boast in their idols are put to shame. Even the so-called gods are called to bow: Worship him, all you gods!

The psalm turns to Zion and to the faithful. Zion heard and was glad. You who love Yahweh, hate evil! He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. The closing image is of a harvest: Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.

Show What You Know

  1. What event does the psalm's picture of God draw on?

  2. What rules God's power?

  3. Who is put to shame?

  4. What is the closing image?

Crossword

53241

Across

  1. His ____ lights up the world.
  2. The ____ melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh.

Down

  1. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his ____.
  2. ____ and darkness are around him.
  3. The mountains melt like ____ at the presence of Yahweh.

Think About It

  1. Why is it good news that God's power is ruled by justice?

  2. What would it look like for you to love God and hate evil?

Memory Verse

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.”

Psalms 97:11 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for giving light and gladness. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • Who does God protect?
  • How can we be glad in God?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.