Scholars describe Psalm 97 as an enthronement psalm. Normally, such psalms were sung at the coronation of a new king. But there is no king in Israel or in Judah when Psalm 97 is written. Nevertheless, Israel is not without a king to watch over and protect them. There is reason to rejoice. There is reason to make plans for the future. There is reason to hope. This is why the psalm begins with the joyously defiant declaration: the LORD reigns!