Psalms 97 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Psalm 97

The Lord Reigns

97:1   The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
    let the many coastlands be glad!
2   Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3   Fire goes before him
    and burns up his adversaries all around.
4   His lightnings light up the world;
    the earth sees and trembles.
5   The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
    before the Lord of all the earth.
6   The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
    and all the peoples see his glory.
7   All worshipers of images are put to shame,
    who make their boast in worthless idols;
    worship him, all you gods!
8   Zion hears and is glad,
    and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
    because of your judgments, O LORD.
9   For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;
    you are exalted far above all gods.
10   O you who love the LORD, hate evil!
    He preserves the lives of his saints;
    he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11   Light is sown¹ for the righteous,
    and joy for the upright in heart.
12   Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,
    and give thanks to his holy name!

Footnotes

[1] 97:11 Most Hebrew manuscripts; one Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome Light dawns

Commentary

Praise for the great God.

v1: Since the earth rejoices at the reign of God, so should we!

v2-6: The wonderful character of God is revealed on the earth. There are clouds and thick darkness and fire, which prevent human eyes from seeing Him, yet He has revealed Himself through His creation, and all peoples see His glory.

v7-9: The folly of idolatry. The true God is far above all gods.

Heb 1.6 refers to worship due to the Lord Jesus Christ, referring to this verse, and to Deut 32.43 (marginal reading); all the angels of God are commanded to worship Christ. The command to worship God in the O.T. becomes a command to worship Jesus Christ in the N.T.

v10-12: The godly rejoice in the promises of God. This is security in Him, but also the call to hate evil. The greatness of God demands righteous living form His people.