Psalm 97 – Overview – New King James Version
Psalm 97 continues in the theme and tone of the previous psalms. It uses phrases found in other psalms and other Old Testament passages. “The psalmist’s mind is saturated with old sayings, which he finds flashed up into new meaning by recent experiences. He is not ‘original,’ and does not try to be so; but he has drunk in the spirit of his predecessors, and words which to others were antiquated and cold blaze with light for him, and seem made for his lips.” (Alexander Maclaren)
“The psalm contains many allusions to other parts of the Old Testament, all of which have been shaped into a magnificent hymn.” (Willem VanGemeren)
G. Campbell Morgan summarized this psalm: “The effects of His judgments are declared. His adversaries are destroyed, His glory is revealed, His people are filled with joy.”
“Psalms 96-98 each hail God’s coming as the world’s King. But Psalm 96 and Psalm 98 soar with delight at what is in store for the world when God returns, while in Psalm 97 the frightening, awesome side of God’s kingly rule is emphasized.” (James Montgomery Boice)
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As the fast Psalm sung the praises of the Lord in connection with the proclamation of the gospel among the Gentiles, so this appears to foreshadow the mighty working of the Holy Ghost in subduing the colossal systems of error, and casting down the idol gods. Across the sea to maritime regions a voice cries for rejoicing at the reign of Jesus (Psa 97:1), the sacred fire descends (Psa 97:3), like lightning the gospel flames forth (Psa 97:4), difficulties vanish (Psa 97:5), and all the nations see the glory of God (Psa 97:6). The idols are confounded (Psa 97:7), the church rejoices (Psa 98:8), the Lord is exalted (Psa 98:9). The Psalm closes with an exhortation to holy steadfastness under the persecution which would follow, and bids the saints rejoice that their path is bright, and their reward glorious and certain. (Spurgeon)
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This psalm is ascribed to David by the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions. It is of the same argument, and upon the same subject, as the preceding, the coming and kingdom of Christ; and that it respects his first coming into the world, when angels were called upon to worship him, appears from Psalm 97:7 compared with Hebrews 1:6 though it is expressed in such language as seems to agree with his second coming; and, perhaps, both are included, with various things between the one and the other; or it respects the kingdom of Christ, from his first to his second coming; to which agrees the inscription of the Syriac version, which is “a Psalm of David, in which he prophesies concerning the coming of the Messiah, and again he intimates in it his last appearance.” (Gill)
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This psalm dwells upon the same subject and is set to the same tune, with the foregoing psalm. Christ is the Alpha and the Omega of both; they are both penned and are both to be sung to his honor; and we make nothing of them if we do not, in them, make melody with our hearts to the Lord Jesus. He it is that reigns, to the joy of all mankind (v. 1); and his government speaks,
I. Terror to his enemies; for he is a prince of inflexible justice and irresistible power (v. 2-7).
II. Comfort to his friends and loyal subjects, arising from his sovereign dominion, the care he takes of his people, and the provision he makes for them (v. 8-12).
In singing this psalm we must be affected with the glory of the exalted Redeemer, must dread the lot of his enemies, and think ourselves happy if we are of those that “kiss the son.” (Henry)
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This Psalm has no title either in the Hebrew or Chaldee; and in fourteen of Kennicott’s and De Rossi’s MSS. it is written as a part of the preceding. In the Vulgate it is thus entitled, Psalmus David, quando terra ejus restituta est. “A Psalm of David when his land was restored;” the meaning of which I suppose to be, after he had obtained possession of the kingdom of Israel and Judah, and became king over all the tribes; or perhaps, after he had gained possession of all those countries which were originally granted to the Israelites in the Divine promise. See 1 Chronicles 18:1-2. The Septuagint is nearly to the same purpose, ὁτι ἡ γη αυτου καθισταται, “when his land was established:” so the AEthiopic and Arabic. The Syriac has, “A Psalm of David, in which he predicts the advent of Christ, (i.e., in the flesh,) and through it his last appearing, (i.e., to judgment.”) The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, Hebrews 1:6, quotes a part of the seventh verse of this Psalm, and applies it to Christ. Who the author was is uncertain: it is much in the spirit of David’s finest compositions; and yet many learned men suppose it was written to celebrate the Lord’s power and goodness in the restoration of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity. (Clarke)
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A Song of Praise to the Sovereign Lord
1
The Lord reigns;
Let the earth rejoice;
Let the multitude of isles be glad!
2
Clouds and darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3
A fire goes before Him,
And burns up His enemies round about.
4
His lightnings light the world;
The earth sees and trembles.
5
The mountains melt 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 see His glory.
7
Let all be put to shame who serve carved images,
Who boast of 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, Lord, are most high above all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.
10
You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the souls of His saints;
He delivers them out of 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.
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