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Psalms 97:2
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
Clouds and darkness are round about him,.... Either as a garment; so Apollinarius paraphrases it, "near is the King clothed with a cloud and tempest;'' and it is usual with the Heathens to represent their deities as surrounded or clothed with a cloud (s): here the allusion is to the tabernacle and temple, when reared up and dedicated, Exo 40:34 Kg1 8:10 and to other appearances of God, or Christ, in a cloud, Exo 19:9, it may denote the obscurity of his divine nature at his first coming; he appearing in the form of a servant, and in the likeness of sinful flesh, so that few discerned his glory as the glory of the only begotten of the Father; as also the darkness and blindness of the Jews concerning him, who could not perceive him to be the Messiah; notwithstanding all the characters of him; clouds and darkness were about him to them; as they were, in a literal sense, when he hung on the cross; the sun withdrew and hid itself, and darkness was upon the face of the earth for three hours; Christ was enveloped in it; and a greater darkness surrounded his soul when his divine Father hid his face from him: dark providences attended the first setting up of his kingdom, and the ministration of his Gospel in the world; the apostles, the first preachers of it, were persecuted by their own countrymen the Jews; the whole Gentile world was against them; the Roman empire, emperors, and governors of provinces, opposed them; wherever there was an open door, there were many adversaries, so that things looked very unpromising: nevertheless these clouds were dissipated, and the difficulties got over; though this has sometimes been the case since, and will be again, ere the kingdom of Christ is in all its glory; he now sits enthroned in heaven, surrounded with clouds and darkness, and unseen to us; whose being and perfections are inscrutable to us, his providences unsearchable, and his ways past finding out; and when he comes a second time, it will be at midnight, and in the clouds of heaven: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne; the seat, basis, and support of it; he sits on a throne doing right, and by it his throne is established; See Gill on Psa 89:14. (s) "Et Venus aethereos inter dea candida nimbos", Virgil. Aeneid. 8. "Venus circumdata nimbo", ib. Aeneid. 12. "Nube candentes humeros amictus augur Apollo", Horat. Carmin. l. 1. Ode 2. so Homer. Il. 5. v. 186.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
97:2-4 Dark clouds . . . Fire . . . lightning: This language shows that the Lord is coming in judgment.
Psalms 97:2
Let the Earth Rejoice
1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad. 2Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. 3Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God (Series 1): The Justice of God
By A.W. Tozer5.5K45:59Attributes of GodGEN 18:25DEU 10:17PSA 92:15PSA 97:2PSA 99:9ISA 28:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a judge being caught between mercy and justice. He uses the example of a man torn between his love for a woman and his sense of duty. The preacher emphasizes that humans are made up of different parts and sometimes struggle to reconcile them. He also highlights the unchanging nature of God and the importance of understanding His attributes, particularly His justice. The sermon includes references to Bible verses that speak about God's righteousness and the harmony of His attributes.
He Will Be Seen
By Frederick W. Robertson0PSA 37:5PSA 42:11PSA 97:2JHN 13:7Frederick W. Robertson preaches about the importance of trusting in the Lord even when faced with darkness and challenges. Just like the sun is still shining behind the clouds, God is always present and working behind the scenes, even when we cannot see or feel Him. In times of despair, when we cannot sense God's presence due to physical, mental, or intellectual struggles, we are called to replace faith with hope, knowing that God's righteousness and truth will prevail. We are encouraged to trust in God's timing and ultimate deliverance, believing that He will bring things to pass according to His perfect plan.
Attributes of God #4 "God's Justice"
By A.W. Tozer0AtonementGod's JusticeGEN 18:25DEU 10:17PSA 92:15PSA 97:2PSA 99:4ISA 28:17REV 15:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the essential nature of God's justice, asserting that it is not merely an attribute but the very essence of God Himself. He explains that God's justice is perfectly aligned with His righteousness, and that there is no external principle compelling God to act justly; rather, He acts justly because that is who He is. Tozer addresses the question of how God can justify the wicked while remaining just, highlighting the significance of Christ's atonement as the means by which our moral situation is transformed. He concludes that God's justice and mercy harmoniously coexist, ensuring that those who accept Christ's sacrifice are justified and granted eternal life. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's unchanging nature and the profound implications of His justice.
The First Adam and Last Adam
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthRedemptionPSA 97:2JHN 3:6ROM 5:19ROM 12:21CO 1:301CO 2:141CO 15:452CO 5:17GAL 4:19PHP 2:13T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the contrast between the first Adam and the last Adam, Jesus Christ, in God's redemptive plan. He explains that while the first Adam became a living soul, the last Adam is a life-giving spirit, representing a new creation that begins in heaven. The sermon highlights that through Christ's obedience and perfection, believers are made complete in Him, and the Holy Spirit empowers them to live out this new life. Sparks stresses that spiritual growth involves learning to live in accordance with the Spirit, moving from the natural to the spiritual, and ultimately walking in obedience through the strength of Christ within us.
Treasures in the Darkness
By Charles E. Cowman0EXO 20:21PSA 18:11PSA 97:21CO 2:71PE 4:12Charles E. Cowman preaches about the significance of embracing the darkness and trials in life, emphasizing that God's hidden secrets are often revealed in the midst of challenges. He encourages believers to trust in God's presence even in the darkest moments, as those times of trial can lead to a deeper connection with God and a greater understanding of His glory and mysteries.
The Priority of the Kingdom
By T. Austin-Sparks0Sovereignty Of GodOvercoming AnxietyPSA 97:2ISA 41:10MAT 5:1MAT 6:25MAT 6:27MAT 6:31MAT 6:33MAT 7:7PHP 4:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's sovereign rule in our lives, as articulated in Matthew 6:33. He explains that seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness is not a passive act but a deliberate arrangement of life that leads to heart rest and freedom from anxiety. The sermon highlights that true peace comes from aligning our interests with God's, rather than succumbing to the burdens of worry and self-interest. Sparks encourages believers to actively seek God's rule in every aspect of their lives, assuring them that when they do, all their needs will be met. This teaching serves as a reminder that God's sovereignty is essential for a fulfilling and anxiety-free life.
Darkness That Brings True Light
By Oswald Chambers0PSA 97:2ISA 50:10MAT 10:27MRK 10:32Oswald Chambers preaches about the importance of heeding God's messages in times of darkness and sharing them in the light, emphasizing the valuable lessons learned during challenging circumstances. He discusses how encountering the teachings of Jesus can initially seem complex and mysterious, requiring the illumination of the Holy Spirit for understanding. Chambers also reflects on the awe and reverence that comes with realizing the true nature and depth of Jesus Christ, leading to a profound transformation in our relationship with Him.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
Clouds and darkness are round about him,.... Either as a garment; so Apollinarius paraphrases it, "near is the King clothed with a cloud and tempest;'' and it is usual with the Heathens to represent their deities as surrounded or clothed with a cloud (s): here the allusion is to the tabernacle and temple, when reared up and dedicated, Exo 40:34 Kg1 8:10 and to other appearances of God, or Christ, in a cloud, Exo 19:9, it may denote the obscurity of his divine nature at his first coming; he appearing in the form of a servant, and in the likeness of sinful flesh, so that few discerned his glory as the glory of the only begotten of the Father; as also the darkness and blindness of the Jews concerning him, who could not perceive him to be the Messiah; notwithstanding all the characters of him; clouds and darkness were about him to them; as they were, in a literal sense, when he hung on the cross; the sun withdrew and hid itself, and darkness was upon the face of the earth for three hours; Christ was enveloped in it; and a greater darkness surrounded his soul when his divine Father hid his face from him: dark providences attended the first setting up of his kingdom, and the ministration of his Gospel in the world; the apostles, the first preachers of it, were persecuted by their own countrymen the Jews; the whole Gentile world was against them; the Roman empire, emperors, and governors of provinces, opposed them; wherever there was an open door, there were many adversaries, so that things looked very unpromising: nevertheless these clouds were dissipated, and the difficulties got over; though this has sometimes been the case since, and will be again, ere the kingdom of Christ is in all its glory; he now sits enthroned in heaven, surrounded with clouds and darkness, and unseen to us; whose being and perfections are inscrutable to us, his providences unsearchable, and his ways past finding out; and when he comes a second time, it will be at midnight, and in the clouds of heaven: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne; the seat, basis, and support of it; he sits on a throne doing right, and by it his throne is established; See Gill on Psa 89:14. (s) "Et Venus aethereos inter dea candida nimbos", Virgil. Aeneid. 8. "Venus circumdata nimbo", ib. Aeneid. 12. "Nube candentes humeros amictus augur Apollo", Horat. Carmin. l. 1. Ode 2. so Homer. Il. 5. v. 186.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
97:2-4 Dark clouds . . . Fire . . . lightning: This language shows that the Lord is coming in judgment.