Psalms 97

Psalms 97:1-12

The earth subject.

1. This is taken up, too, and expanded in the psalm that follows. Jehovah’s supremacy is celebrated; the earth is subject to Him. The joy of His presence does not prevent the recognition of the fact that “clouds and darkness are round about Him”; and just because “righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne.” He finds therefore upon earth opposition to be subdued, and He subdues it: “a fire goeth before Him, and subdueth His enemies round about.” The earth trembles at His lightnings, which yet truly lighten the world: for the sharp flash of judgment is (though in anger) the revelation of Himself. The hills melt, and all that is high and lifted up is humbled and brought low in His presence.
2. Idolatry gives way before Him whom the heavens reveal in righteousness; a known God causes all the worshipers of idols to be ashamed. The powers that they have exalted to deities are found all paying homage to the true God: while Zion hears and the daughters of Judah exult, because of His judgments. Jehovah is Most High over all the earth, and exalted far above all gods.
3. The third section exhorts in view of His holiness. The love of Jehovah means, if it be real, opposition to evil; and to such, as manifest this, His godly ones, He is faithful, preserving and delivering them from the hands of the wicked. For the righteous light is sown; and though it may for a time be obscured, it will finally increase and produce a harvest. A strange figure it may seem; and yet an intelligible one: for the path of the just is as the shining light," -or “the light of dawn,” -“which shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). How impossible to stop the steady advance of the morning light!

And the real “day,” when it comes, what shall it not bring with it in abundant recompense! the Light itself, what glories will it not disclose! “The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting and thy God thy glory! Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself; for the Lord shall be thine everlasting Light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended” (Isaiah 60:19-20). How blessed is the grace, which can enable redeemed sinners to “rejoice in Jehovah, and give thanks,” not merely “at the remembrance of His” grace, but of His “holiness”!