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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 97:1-7

What was to be said among the heathen in the foregoing psalm (Ps. 96:10) is here said again (Ps. 97:1) and is made the subject of this psalm, and of Ps. 99:1-9. The Lord reigns; that is the great truth here laid down. The Lord Jehovah reigns, he that made the world governs it; he that gave being gives motion and power, gives law and commission, gives success and event. Every man's judgment proceeds from the Lord, from his counsel and providence, and in all affairs, both public and private, he... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 97:8-12

The kingdom of the Messiah, like the pillar of cloud and fire, as it has a dark side towards the Egyptians, so it has a bright side towards the Israel of God. It is set up in spite of opposition; and then the earth saw and trembled (Ps. 97:4), but Zion heard and was glad, very glad, to hear of the conversion of some and of the confusion of others, that is, the conquest of all that stood it out against Christ. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! for behold thy king comes unto thee, Zech. 9:9.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 97:6

The heavens declare his righteousness ,.... His justice in punishing his enemies; the lightning and the thunder in the heavens, the tokens of his wrath, and instruments of it; his wrath itself, which is revealed from heaven, Romans 1:18 , or the inhabitants of heaven, as Aben Ezra; the angels of heaven; so the Targum, "the angels on high (or of heaven, as in the king's Bible) declare his righteousness"; see Revelation 16:5 , it is true of the ministers of the Gospel, who are Christ's... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 97:7

Confounded be all they that serve graven images ,.... Images of gold, silver, and stone, graven by art and man's device; to serve and worship which must be the grossest ignorance and stupidity, which, when convinced of, must fill with shame and confusion: this may be considered either as a prayer, that the idolatrous Gentiles might be enlightened to see the vanity of their idols, and their worship of them, and turn to the living God; or as a prophecy that it should be; for it may be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 97:8

Zion heard, and was glad ,.... Or, the congregation of Zion, as the Targum; the church of Christ, and the members of it, called Zion, in allusion to the mountain of that name, in which the temple stood; a type of the church, Hebrews 12:22 , these heard the Gospel, the good news and glad tidings of good things; they heard that Zion's King reigned, and that his kingdom was enlarged, and interest increased; they heard the heavenly men declare his righteousness, by which they are justified... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 97:9

For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth ,.... Above all the inhabitants of the earth, as the Targum; he is highly exalted above every name, men of the greatest name that is named in the world; he is made higher than the heavens, and the inhabitants of it; and has all power in heaven and earth, as Mediator; and, as a divine Person, he is the most high God, as the word "Elion", here used, signifies; and all this lays a foundation for joy and gladness in the saints; even the dignity of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 97:10

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil ,.... The evil of sin, which is to be hated, because of the evil nature of it, it being exceeding sinful; and because of its evil consequences, bringing death, ruin, and destruction with it to the souls of men, unless grace prevents; and disquietude, distress, and trouble to the saints themselves; and because it is hateful to God, being contrary to his nature, will, and law, and is hated by Christ; and therefore those that love him should hate that, shun it,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 97:6

The heavens declare his righteousness - They also, in this poetic description, become intelligent beings, and proclaim the majesty and the mercy of the Most High. Metaphorically, they may be said to declare his glory. Their magnitude, number, revolutions, order, influence, and harmony, proclaim the wondrous skill, matchless wisdom, and unlimited power of the Sovereign of the universe. See the notes on Psalm 19:1-14 ; (note). And all the people see his glory - Whatsoever God has made... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 97:7

Confounded be fell they - Rather, They shall be confounded that boast themselves in idols. There is a remarkable play on the letters here, המתהללים hammithhalelim , who move like madmen; referring to the violent gestures practiced in idolatrous rites. Of idols - באלילים baelilim , in vanities, emptinesses; who "make much ado about nothing," and take a mad and painful pleasure in ridiculous and unprofitable ceremonies of religion. Worship him - Who? Jesus: so says the apostle,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 97:8

Zion heard, and was glad - All the land of Israel, long desolated, heard of the judgments which God had shown among the enemies of his people. And the daughters of Judah - All the villages of the land - Zion as the mother, and all the villages in the country as her daughters, rejoice in the deliverance of God's people. read more

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