97
📚The LORD reigns!May the earth rejoice!
May the multitude of islands
be glad!
97:1 The opening words could be translated “The LORD has become King”, or “The LORD has begun to reign”. Of course, the LORD (Jehovah) is King of the universe and always has been. But this psalm refers to His manifest rule over earth after His coming described in the last verse of the preceding psalm.⚜
2 📚Clouds and darkness are
around him.
Righteousness 📖 and justice are
the foundation of his throne.
3 📚A fire goes before him and
burns up his enemies all around.
4 📚His lightnings lit up the world.
The earth saw and trembled.
5 📚The hills 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 people see his glory 📖.
7 📚May all those who serve
graven images,
who boast of idols, be put
to shame 📖.
Worship him, all you gods.
8 📚Zion heard and was glad,
and the daughters of Judah 📖
rejoiced
because of your judgments,
O LORD.
9 📚For you, LORD, are high
above all the earth.
You are exalted far above all gods.
97:2-9 In these verses we have the effects of the coming of Jehovah. The picture is one of perfect holiness and justice. Compare these verses with Ex 19:9; Deut 4:11; 1 Kings 8:12; Ps 18:11.⚜
10 📚You who love the LORD,
hate evil 📖.
He preserves the souls of his saints.
He rescues them from the hand
of the wicked.
11 📚Light is sown for the righteous,
and gladness for the upright
in heart.
12 📚Rejoice in the LORD,
you righteous,
and give thanks at the remembrance
of his holy name.
97:10-12 In the light of the above what kind of lives should we live? – Titus 2:11-13; Heb 12:28; 2 Pet 3:10-14.⚜
97:11-12 While we wait for the glorious appearance of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ He would have us experience light and joy. And for them we should continually give thanks to Him.⚜