Psalm Ninety Seven

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

Navigate to Verse

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Psalm 97:1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.

Psalm 97:2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

Psalm 97:3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.

fire goeth before Him. When the Lord comes back to reign, there will be fires of judgment preceding and following (Malachi 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; 2 Peter 3:10; etc.).

Psalm 97:4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.

Psalm 97:5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

Psalm 97:6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

heavens declare his righteousness. Psalms 95-100 form a magnificent unit of praise, all centered on the future triumph of the Lord when He comes to purge the world of wickedness and all the effects of the age-long curse. Appropriately, this verse is the central verse of these six psalms. When He comes from heaven, all the people will see His glory (note also Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7), and acknowledge His righteousness.

Psalm 97:7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.

Psalm 97:8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.

Psalm 97:9 For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

Psalm 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 97:11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

Psalm 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.