Psalm 97:1-5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 97:5

The hills melted like wax - The fire of God seized on and liquefied them, so that they no longer opposed his march; and the mountains before him became a plain. The Lord of the whole earth - הארץ כל אדון adon col haarets , the Director, Stay, and Support of the whole earth. The universal Governor, whose jurisdiction is not confined to any one place; but who, having created all, governs all that he has made. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 97:1

Verse 1 1Jehovah reigns His inviting men to rejoice, is a proof that the reign of God is inseparably connected with the salvation and best happiness of mankind. And, the joy he speaks of being common to the whole world and to the regions beyond the seas, it is evident that he predicts the enlargement of God’s kingdom, which had been confined within the narrow boundaries of Judea, to a far wider extent. The Psalmist, in setting forth the various particulars of the Divine glory in the four verses... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:1

The Lord reigneth; or, the Lord has become King—has ascended his throne (comp. Psalms 93:1 ; Psalms 96:10 ). Let the earth rejoice. When God condescends to appear on earth, the earth is bound to rejoice. His coming cannot but improve the condition of affairs. Let the multitude of isles (literally, the many isles ) be glad thereof . Even "the isles"—the abode of the Gentiles—are to feel joy, for they, too, at whatever cost ( Psalms 97:3 ), will be benefited. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:1

God's sovereignty. "The Lord reigneth." To a thoughtful, loving, earnest Christian heart, the spectacle of prevailing disorder, wrong, misery, in this world (today as in past ages) is a source of sometimes almost unbearable wonder and grief. Then it is unspeakable consolation to remember "the Lord reigneth" ( Psalms 11:3 , Psalms 11:4 ). As from his own sin and trouble he takes refuge in God's love; so from the apparent triumph of evil, in God's righteous rule. God's Kingship or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:1

The Lord reigneth. On this truth we observe— I. IT WAS THE FAITH OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE . The Law, the Prophets, the Psalms—these especially—the Gospels, the Epistles, and the Revelation, all alike declare this faith, and in varied form utter their "Alleluia, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." II. THIS FAITH IS COMMENDED TO US BY ITS NEVER - FAILING FRUITFULNESS IS ALL MANNER OF GOOD . Some beliefs which men have long and largely... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:1-12

Metrically, the psalm consists of four stanzas, each of three verses. There is nothing in its contents to fix its date. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:1-12

Jehovah is King. The subject of this psalm, as of the whole group to which it belongs, is the reign of Christ. Some glorious revival in the Jewish Church so uplifted the thought of the writer of these psalms that he sees, as if already present, that blessed advent and reign of the Lord which, whilst it must be the confusion of his adversaries, must also be the everlasting joy of his faithful people. We observe - I. THE AFFIRMATION or THESE PSALMS —that Jehovah is King. "The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:2

Clouds and darkness are round about him (comp. Exodus 19:16 , Exodus 19:18 ; Deuteronomy 4:11 ; Deuteronomy 5:22 :1Ki Deuteronomy 8:12 ). The "darkness" does not belong to the nature of God, who "is Light, and in him is no darkness at all" ( 1 John 1:5 ), but to the interrelationship between God and man, in which are involved problems that man cannot solve. Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne; rather, the foundation of his throne— the firm basis on... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:2

What God seems, and what God is. The figures of this verse are evidently taken from the scenes connected with the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. Then "clouds and darkness" were the surroundings, and from these men might get a cursory and an unworthy impression of God; but then "justice and judgment" were declared to be the "pillars of his throne," and if men would but go beyond the appearances, they would apprehend God aright, and even discern the mission and the mystery of the symbols... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:2

The Divine character and government. "Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and truth are the foundation of his throne." I. WE ARE OFTEN IN DOUBT AND DIFFICULTY ABOUT THE DIVINE CHARACTER AND GOVERNMENT , "Clouds and darkness are round about him." We cannot reconcile all we see with: 1 . Divine omnipotence. Abortions. The means do not attain the end. 2 . Divine wisdom. Or the wisdom was not perfect. 3 . Divine justice. 4 ... read more

Group of Brands