1 The LORD H3068 reigneth; H4427 let the earth H776 rejoice; H1523 let the multitude H7227 of isles H339 be glad H8055 thereof.
2 Clouds H6051 and darkness H6205 are round about H5439 him: righteousness H6664 and judgment H4941 are the habitation H4349 of his throne. H3678
3 A fire H784 goeth H3212 before H6440 him, and burneth up H3857 his enemies H6862 round about. H5439
4 His lightnings H1300 enlightened H215 the world: H8398 the earth H776 saw, H7200 and trembled. H2342
5 The hills H2022 melted H4549 like wax H1749 at the presence H6440 of the LORD, H3068 at the presence H6440 of the Lord H113 of the whole earth. H776
6 The heavens H8064 declare H5046 his righteousness, H6664 and all the people H5971 see H7200 his glory. H3519
7 Confounded H954 be all they that serve H5647 graven images, H6459 that boast H1984 themselves of idols: H457 worship H7812 him, all ye gods. H430
8 Zion H6726 heard, H8085 and was glad; H8055 and the daughters H1323 of Judah H3063 rejoiced H1523 because of thy judgments, H4941 O LORD. H3068
9 For thou, LORD, H3068 art high above H5945 all the earth: H776 thou art exalted H5927 far above H3966 all gods. H430
10 Ye that love H157 the LORD, H3068 hate H8130 evil: H7451 he preserveth H8104 the souls H5315 of his saints; H2623 he delivereth H5337 them out of the hand H3027 of the wicked. H7563
11 Light H216 is sown H2232 for the righteous, H6662 and gladness H8057 for the upright H3477 in heart. H3820
12 Rejoice H8055 in the LORD, H3068 ye righteous; H6662 and give thanks H3034 at the remembrance H2143 of his holiness. H6944
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).