Psalms 97

Once more the Psalmist celebrates Jehovah’s recent manifestation of His sovereignty. In Psalms 96 the universality of His kingdom, here the judgement by which it has been manifested, is the prominent thought. i. Earth is bidden to rejoice at the establishment of Jehovah’s kingdom. The awfulness of His Advent, the moral foundation of His rule, and the irresistibleness of His might are described (Psalms 97:1-3). ii. But lately the earth has trembled at His Presence; His righteousness and His majesty have been openly proclaimed (Psalms 97:4-6). iii. The idol-worshippers and their pretended gods are put to shame, while Zion rejoices in His triumph (Psalms 97:7-9). iv. Let Israel respond to His call by dutiful obedience and glad thanksgiving (Psalms 97:10-12). Thus the Psalm consists, like Psalms 96, of four equal stanzas. The first two describe the coming of Jehovah to judgement, in symbolic language borrowed from descriptions of the great Theophanies of old; the last two describe its consequences for Israel and for the nations. The author of this Psalm was not an original poet, but he was a masterly hymn-writer. There is scarcely a phrase in the Psalm which is not borrowed; but he combines the language of earlier Psalmists and Prophets into a “costly mosaic” with a skill which is worthy of the occasion. He makes us feel that he has been deeply moved, and inspired to recognise the greatness of the crisis. In the LXX the Psalm is entitled (A Psalm) of David, when his land was restored[54]. The latter part of this title rightly points to the Restoration from Babylon as the occasion of the Psalm. [54] For καθίσταται, Vulg. restituta est, cf. Isaiah 49:8, τοῦκαταστῆσαιτὴνγῆν

Psalms 97:1-3

1–3. The proclamation of Jehovah’s kingdom of power and righteousness.

Psalms 97:2-3

2, 3. Though Jehovah shrouds himself in mystery, and comes with irresistible might, it is the consolation of His people to know that His kingdom is founded upon righteousness. Here, as elsewhere (Psalms 18:9; Psalms 18:11, &c.), the Theophany of Sinai supplies the symbolism. Cp. Exodus 19:16; Exodus 20:21; Deuteronomy 5:22. righteousness &c.] Righteousness and judgement are the foundation of his throne (R.V.). 2 b is taken from Psalms 89:14 a: with Psalms 97:3 cp. Psalms 50:3; Deuteronomy 4:24; Isaiah 42:25.

Psalms 97:4-6

4–6. The recent manifestation of Jehovah’s power, described in terms of the great Theophanies of old.

Psalms 97:5

5. From Micah 1:4; Micah 4:13; cp. Zechariah 4:14; Zechariah 6:5. The dissolution of the most solid and ancient parts of the earth is the expression of its terror and the measure of His power. Cp. Habakkuk 3:6.

Psalms 97:6

6. The heavens have declared his righteousness, And all the peoples have seen his glory. His faithfulness to His people and His sovereign justice in the punishment of evil have been openly and visibly manifested in the sight of all the world (Psalms 98:3). Cp. Psalms 50:6; Isaiah 35:2; Isaiah 40:5; Isaiah 52:10; Isaiah 66:18.

Psalms 97:7-9

7–9. The impression produced by the judgement.

Psalms 97:8

8. From Psalms 48:11, but with a significant change. Then (Psalms 97:8) the deliverance was wrought in sight of the city; now Zion and the cities of Judah only hear the glad tidings brought from distant Babylon to Zion in her humiliation (Isaiah 52:7-8).

Psalms 97:9

9. For thou, Jehovah, art the Most High above all the earth, Thou art exceedingly exalted above all gods. From Psalms 83:18; Psalms 47:2; Psalms 47:9 : cp. Psalms 95:3.

Psalms 97:10-12

10–12. The duty and the confidence of Israel.

Psalms 97:11

11. Light is sown] The idea is rather that of the diffusion of light at the dawn than of a seed sown to bear fruit hereafter. For the metaphor cp. Lucr. ii. 211, “Sol lumine conserit arva”; and Verg. Aen. iv. 584, “Et iam prima novo spargebat lumine terras … Aurora.” But most of the Ancient Versions represent the reading, Light hath arisen for the righteous, as in Psalms 112:4 (cp. Psalms 104:22), and this is probably right. So the P.B.V. There is sprung up a light, from the LXX through the Vulg. For light as a metaphor for happiness and prosperity cp. Psalms 27:1; Psalms 36:9.

Psalms 97:12

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.