Psalms97
New American Standard
1 The Lord reigns, may the earth rejoice; May the many islands be joyful.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him And burns up His enemies all around.
4 His lightning lit up the world; The earth saw it and trembled.
5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory.
7 May all those be ashamed who serve carved images, Who boast in idols; Worship Him, all you gods.
8 Zion heard this and was joyful, And the daughters of Judah have rejoiced Because of Your judgments, Lord.
9 For You are the Lord Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.
10 Hate evil, you who love the Lord, Who watches over the souls of His godly ones; He saves them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown like seed for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Be joyful in the Lord, you righteous ones, And praise the mention of His holy name.
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Psalms 97Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 97. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The Lord Jesus reigns in power that cannot be resisted. (1–7). His care of his people, and his provision for them. (8–12).
vv1-7
Though many have been made happy in Christ, still there is room. And all have reason to rejoice in Christ's government. There is a depth in his counsels, which we must not pretend to fathom; but still righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. Christ's government, though it might be matter of joy to all, will yet be matter of terror to some; but it is their own fault that it is so. The most resolute and daring opposition will be baffled at the presence of the Lord. And the Lord Jesus will ere long come, and put an end to idol worship of every kind.
vv8-12
The faithful servants of God may well rejoice and be glad, because he is glorified; and whatever tends to his honour, is his people's pleasure. Care is taken for their safety. But something more is meant than their lives. The Lord will preserve the souls of his saints from sin, from apostacy, and despair, under their greatest trials. He will deliver them out of the hands of the wicked one, and preserve them safe to his heavenly kingdom. And those that rejoice in Christ Jesus, and in his exaltation, have fountains of joy prepared for them. Those that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. Gladness is sure to the upright in heart; the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment. Sinners tremble, but saints rejoice at God's holiness. As he hates sin, yet freely loves the person of the repentant sinner who believes in Christ, he will make a final separation between the person he loves and the sin he hates, and sanctify his people wholly, body, soul, and spirit.
Key Words
מָלַךְ: to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence (by implication) to take counsel
אֶרֶץ: the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
גִּיל: properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e. usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
רַב: abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
אִי: properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
שָׂמַח: probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
עָנָן: a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e. the nimbus or thunder-cloud
עֲרָפֶל: gloom (as of a lowering sky)
סָבִיב: (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
צֶדֶק: the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
Cross References
Psalms 97Hebrews 1:6 applies 'worship him, all ye gods' (LXX: angels) directly to the incarnate Son.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Establishes the identical theme of the Lord's global reign and stable, righteous dominion.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Confirms that the king's throne is established (habitation/foundation) by righteousness.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Zion and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of the Lord's righteous judgments.
Supported by JFB
Parallels the declaration of God's supreme exaltation above all other 'gods' or angelic powers.
Supported by JFB
Defines 'isles' as the distant Gentile territories separated by sea, called to rejoice.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Prophesies that the remote isles shall wait for and rejoice in the Messiah's law.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Describes the terrifying visual of God's presence enveloped in dark clouds and waters.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Depicts devouring fire going before God to execute judgment on his adversaries.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Eschatological judgment of the wicked by a consuming fire, matching Christ's second coming.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Associates the flashing of lightnings with the terrifying scattering of the Lord's enemies.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The everlasting mountains scatter and hills bow at the presence and march of God.
Supported by JFB
Commandment to hate evil and love good, echoing the duty of those loving God.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Exhorts saints to give thanks at the remembrance of God's holy character.
Supported by JFB