Psalms 97

A description of the Majesty of Gods Kingdom, and the joy of the godly, by reason of his justice and judgements upon the Idolaters, together with an exhortation unto piety and spiritual cheerfulness.

1. The LORD reigneth let the earth rejoice [i.e. he maketh it appear indeed that he is king, not onely of the Israelites, but of all the world besides] let many Islands be glad. [i.e. the people and Nations inhabiting the Island, as Isa.42.4. and 60.9.]

2. Round about him are clouds [Heb. A cloud] and darkness [or obscurity. See the like descriptions of the might and majesty of God, Psa.18.v.8.9, &c.] righteousness and judgement [see the annot. Gen.18.on v.19.] are fastiness [or support, buttress, foundation] of his throne.

3. A fire passeth on before his face [By the fire understand the severe vengeance and judgement of God] and it setteth his adversaries round about a burning.

4. His lightenings enlightened the world, the Earth seeth them [The lightenings] and it trembleth. [or growth them [The lightenings] and it trembleth. [or groweth afraid, viz. In such a manner as a woman, when the travel comes upon her.]

5. The mountains melt like wax before the regard of the LORD: before the regard of the LORD of all the Earth.

6. The heavens declareth his righteousness [Understand the celestial creatures, such as are thunder, lightenings, hail, snow, tempests, &c. Or the Angels] and all nations see his honour.

7. Ashamed must they be all that serve the Images [Heb. The cut (or carved) Image] which boast of Idols: [see Lev.19.4. and 1 Sam.12.21.] Bow down before him all ye Gods [i.e. Angels, see Psa.8.6. Heb.1.6. and see the fulfilling of these words in Christ, Luke 2:13.14. Mark 1:13. Rev.5.1,12. Heb.1.7.]

8. Zion [i.e. the Church of God, consisting both of Jews and Gentiles] hath heard [viz. The judgements and puishments of God upon his Enemies, as appeareth by the end of this verse] and hath rejoiced, and the daughters of Juda [understand the on habitants of Jury, as Psa.48.12. and consequently of the whole Church] were glad because of thy judgements, O LORD.

9. For thou Lord art the most high over the whole earth: thou art exalted very high above all Gods. [As above ver.7.]

10. Yee lovers of the LORD, hate the evil, he keepeth the souls of his favourites, he rescueth them out of the hands of the wicked.

11. The Light [i.e. all happiness and prosperity, joy and gladness, as Esth.8.16. see Job 18.on v.7.] is sowed for the righteous; [it fareth even with the comfort which is prepared and appointed for the Godly, as with the seed, that is cast into the ground, which doth not rise and spring forth again as soon as sown, but must often lie a great while under ground before there be any appearance of it above ground: but afterward it bringeth forth most goodly fruit; the true and full joy and fruit of the children of God is prepared for them in heaven, though now obscured and hidden] and joyfulness for the upright of heart.

12. Yee righteous rejoice in the LORD: and speak praise in remembrance of his holiness. [That his holiness maybe had and kept in remembrance, as Psalms 30:5.]