Psalms 97:12

Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous,.... In the word of the Lord, as the Targum; in Christ, the essential Word, in his person, the greatness, glory, and fulness of it; in his righteousness, and in

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

In consideration of his holy and righteous nature and government, or of his faithfulness in making good that great promise of sending the Messias into the world; for holiness is sometimes taken for faithfulness, which is one part or branch of it.

Psalms 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.Ver. 12. Rejoice in the Lord] See Psalms 32:11, At the remembrance of his holiness] That is, of himself; for whatsoever is in God is God; as also of his works and benefits, whereby he giveth you so good occasion to remember him.

Verse 12. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous] It is your privilege to be happy. Exult in him through whom ye have received the atonement. Rejoice; but let it be in the Lord. All other joy is the mirth of fools, which is as the crackling of thorns under a pot - it is a luminous blaze for a moment, and leaves nothing but smoke and ashes behind. At the remembrance of his holiness.] But why should you give thanks at the remembrance that God is holy? Because he has said, Be ye holy; for I am holy: and in holiness alone true happiness is to be found. As he, therefore, who hath called you is holy; so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. False Christians hate the doctrine of Christian holiness; they are willing to be holy in another, but not holy in themselves. There is too much cross-bearing and self-denial in the doctrine of holiness for them. A perfect heart they neither expect nor wish. The analysis considers the whole Psalm as relating to Jesus Christ and the last judgment: so it was understood by several of the ancient fathers. The reader may take it in either sense. ANALYSIS OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH PSALM There are three parts in this Psalm, if we interpret it as referring to our blessed Lord: - I. A prophetical description of his power and glory, especially at the day of judgment, Psalms 97:1-6. II. A manifest difference between the states of idolaters and the people of God, Psalms 97:7-9. III. An exhortation to love God and hate evil; and the reason on which it is founded: a two-fold gracious reward, Psalms 97:10-12. I. The psalmist begins with a solemn acclamation: "The Lord reigneth." He is the supreme King; and he will use his kingly power both now and in the day of judgment. 1. For the good of his subjects. 2. For the confusion of his enemies. 1. For "clouds and darkness are round about him," as when he gave the law on Mount Sinai. 2. "Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne;" and therefore a just sentence shall come forth against his enemies, and in behalf of his friends, Psalms 97:2-5. 3. His appearance shall be very glorious; for the "heavens shall declare it, and all people shall see it," Psalms 97:6. II. The difference between the state of idolaters and the people of God. 1. Confusion and a curse shall fall upon the former: "They shall be confounded," c., Psalms 97:7. 2. He exhorts all in power, men - magistrates, c., and all who excel in strength - angels, to worship him: "Worship him, all ye gods," Psalms 97:7. All confidence should be reposed in him. 3. God's people rejoice when they find that it is their own Lord who is coming to judgment: "Zion heard, and was glad the daughters of Judah rejoiced," Psalms 97:8. 4.

12. Be glad in Jehovah, ye righteous; And give thanks unto his holy name. His holy name, lit. the memorial of his holiness. His name is that which brings to remembrance all that He is and does. See Exodus 3:15; Psalms 135:13. The first line is from Psalms 32:11 a; the second from Psalms 30:4 b.

Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous - See the notes at Psalms 33:1. And give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness - Margin, “to the memorial” (compare Psalms 30:4).