Psalms 97

Ver. 2. Clouds and darkness &c.] His throne is surrounded by impenetrable obscurity, but every thing that issues from it is dedicated by unerring truth and justice. Travell.

Psalms 97:3

3—5. A fire goeth before him, &c.] The judgments of God, and their effects upon the world, are here set forth, under the usual similitude of lightning and fire from heaven, causing the earth to tremble, and mountains to melt and dissolve away. Bp. Horne.

Psalms 97:6

6. Honour and majesty are before him: &c.] This expresses, in poetical language, the general glory, majesty, and perfection of God.

Psalms 97:7

7.—worship him, all ye gods.] Let all that are called gods, whether on earth or in heaven, acknowledge and adore his sovereign authority. Bp. Patrick.

Psalms 97:8

8.—the daughters of Judah] See note at Ps. xlviii. 11.

Psalms 97:9

9.—the beauty of holiness.] See the note on Psalm xxix. 2.

Psalms 97:10

10—13. Say among the heathen &c.] Nothing can excel in sublimity the noble exultation of universal nature in these verses, where the whole animate and inanimate creation unite in the praises of their Maker. Poetry here seems to assume the highest tone of triumph and exultation, and to revel, if I may so express myself, in all the extravagance of joy. Bp. Lowth.

The exhortations in this Psalm are peculiarly applicable to the times of the Gospel, and describe the joy which good men should express, when they reflect that the several nations of the world are enlightened with the knowledge of the true God, and his Son Jesus Christ. These great privileges engage us to praise the Lord without ceasing; to worship Him with fear, humility, and joy; and to shew by our obedience, that the Lord does truly reign over us. Ostervald.

Psalm XCVII. In this Psalm the gracious assistance which God affords his servants, and the vengeance He takes upon the opposers of his laws, are strongly described under the images of fire and tempest. But the Psalm is chiefly applicable to the spiritual reign of

idolaters. 10 An exhortation to godliness and gladness.

THE LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the † multitude of isles be glad thereof.

Psalms 97:11

11. Light] That is, life, salvation, immortality. This Psalm is not so much a description of God’s dominion over the Jews as a prophecy of the dominion of Jesus Christ over all nations. The Holy Spirit here describes the effects which the coming of that kingdom would produce, and the joy which the faithful