Overview
Psalm 97 unfolds as a majestic tribute to God's reigning authority and awesome power. Right from the start, the psalm commands the earth and the many islands to rejoice as God establishes His rule with justice and righteousness. The imagery of fire, mountains, and skies illustrate God's awe-inspiring dominion, evoking both reverence and wonder. However, this awe is not merely a cause for trembling but also for joy; the psalm assures us that those who love the Lord and hate evil will be guarded and delivered. Finally, it calls for the righteous to exult in the Lord and give thanks to His holy name. Therefore, Psalm 97 encapsulates the dual feelings of awe and jubilation that come from recognizing God's supreme reign. It reminds us that in the midst of God's terrifying majesty, there's also room for exuberant praise.
Psalm 97
1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
9 For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
End of Psalm 97
1 Year Plan: Aug 22 - Pro 20, Pro 21, Ps 96, Ps 97 [next day]
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
9 For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
End of Psalm 97
1 Year Plan: Aug 22 - Pro 20, Pro 21, Ps 96, Ps 97 [next day]
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