Psalm 97 Study Notes

97:1 On the Lord reigns, see note at 93:1-2. The coasts and islands represent the farthest known habitable places, conveying the scope of the Lord’s dominion and praise (Is 20:5-6; 41:1; 42:4,10,12,15).

97:2 Clouds and total darkness recollect the storm imagery on Mount Sinai, where the thick clouds hid God, and from which he spoke. In prophetic texts these Hebrew words usually describe a state of judgment (Is 60:2; Jl 2:2). On righteousness . . . his throne, see note at 89:14.

97:3-5 Fire combined with lightning, earthquakes, and volcanic activity typify the cosmic upheaval experienced at the approach of God (77:16-18; Ex 19:16; Mc 1:3-4). Even the created order responds to the Creator.

97:6 Cosmic disturbances and defeat of the Lord’s enemies demonstrate the Lord’s righteousness and glory to all the earth’s inhabitants (19:1). The saving power of God demonstrated by divine acts of victory magnify his sovereignty so that the whole world recognizes his glory.

97:7 The Hebrew word for “worthless gods” always refers to the impotence of carved images and pagan idols . . . All the gods must worship him could be translated “all the gods humble themselves before him,” conveying the irony of the psalm.

97:8-9 While idol worshipers are ashamed and pagan deities are subjugated before God (v. 7), the Lord is the Most High, raised to a superior rank and appropriating the authority of these impotent gods.

97:10 Those who love God should share his hatred of evil (15:4; 139:21; Pr 8:13; Am 5:15; Zch 8:17; Rm 12:9).

97:11-12 The psalmist equated light with joy and righteousness, a connection developed further in Isaiah (Is 10:17; 42:6; 49:6; 58:10; 60:1-3,19-20), who described the Lord’s return to Jerusalem. Zion as the Lord’s dwelling place shines forth, the Lord’s glory is described as light, and the restored nation of Israel reflects the light of God’s presence. All nations will be drawn from the darkness to the light of Jerusalem (Is 60:2-3).