1 The Lord is King, let the earth have joy; let all the sea-lands be glad.
2 Dark clouds are round him; his kingdom is based on righteousness and right judging.
3 Fire goes before him, burning up all those who are against him round about.
4 His bright flames give light to the world; the earth saw it with fear.
5 The mountains became like wax at the coming of the Lord, at the coming of the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens gave out the news of his righteousness, and all the people saw his glory.
7 Shamed be all those who give worship to images, and take pride in false gods; give him worship, all you gods.
8 Zion gave ear and was glad; and the daughters of Judah were full of joy, because of your decisions, O Lord.
9 For you, Lord, are most high over the earth; you are lifted up over all other gods.
10 You who are lovers of the Lord, be haters of evil; he keeps the souls of his saints; he takes them out of the hand of sinners.
11 Light is shining on the lovers of righteousness, and for the upright in heart there is joy.
12 Be glad in the Lord, you upright men; praising the memory of his holy name.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 97
Commentary on Psalms 97 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 97
Ps 97:1-12. The writer celebrates the Lord's dominion over nations and nature, describes its effect on foes and friends, and exhorts and encourages the latter.
1, 2. This dominion is a cause of joy, because, even though our minds are oppressed with terror before the throne of the King of kings (Ex 19:16; De 5:22), we know it is based on righteous principles and judgments which are according to truth.
3-5. The attending illustrations of God's awful justice on enemies (Ps 83:14) are seen in the disclosures of His almighty power on the elements of nature (compare Ps 46:2; 77:17; Hab 3:6, &c.).
6. heavens—or, their inhabitants (Ps 50:6), as opposed to "nations" in the latter clause (compare Isa 40:5; 66:18).
7. Idolaters are utterly put to shame, for if angels must worship Him, how much more those who worshipped them.
all ye gods—literally, "all ye angels" (Ps 8:5; 138:1; Heb 1:6; 2:7). Paul quotes, not as a prophecy, but as language used in regard to the Lord Jehovah, who in the Old Testament theophania is the second person of the Godhead.
8, 9. The exaltation of Zion's king is joy to the righteous and sorrow to the wicked.
daughters of Judah—(Compare Ps 48:11).
9. above all gods—(Ps 95:3).
10-12. Let gratitude for the blessings of providence and grace incite saints (Ps 4:3) to holy living. Spiritual blessings are in store, represented by light (Ps 27:1) and gladness.
11. sown—to spring forth abundantly for such, who alone can and well may rejoice in the holy government of their sovereign Lord (compare Ps 30:4; 32:11).