Psalm 97
1Yahweh reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad! 2Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3A fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries on every side. 4His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles. 5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6The heavens declare his righteousness. All the peoples have seen his glory. 7Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images, who boast in their idols. Worship him, all you gods! 8Zion heard and was glad. The daughters of Judah rejoiced because of your judgments, Yahweh. 9For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods. 10You who love Yahweh, hate evil! He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. 11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.
Introduction
Psalms 97
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 honour; 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 (Psa 97:1); and his government speaks, I. Terror to his enemies; for he is a prince of inflexible justice and irresistible power (Psa 97:2-7). 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 (Psa 97:8-12). 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."
Cross-references: Ps 97:1 · Ps 97:2 · Ps 97:8