Psalm 97:2 NIV

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 97:2

Clouds and darkness are round about him ,.... Either as a garment; so Apollinarius paraphrases it, "near is the King clothed with a cloud and tempest;' and it is usual with the Heathens to represent their deities as surrounded or clothed with a cloud F19 "Et Venus aethereos inter dea candida nimbos", Virgil. Aeneid. 8. "Venus circumdata nimbo", ib. Aeneid. 12. "Nube candentes humeros amictus augur Apollo", Horat. Carmin. l. 1. Ode 2. so Homer. Il. 5. v. 186. : here the allusion is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 97:2

Clouds and darkness are round about him - It is granted that this is a subject which cannot be comprehended. And why? Because God is infinite; he acts from his own counsels, which are infinite; in reference to ends which are also infinite: therefore, the reasons of his government cannot be comprehended by the feeble, limited powers of man. There must be clouds and darkness - an impenetrable obscurity, round about him; and we can no more comprehend him in what is called aeternitas a parte... 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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 97:2

Clouds and darkness are round about him - This is a description of the majesty of God, derived probably from the manner in which he manifested himself at Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:16-19. God is often thus represented as encompassed with clouds. Psalms 104:3; Daniel 7:13; Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7. See the notes at Psalms 18:7-15. The word rendered “clouds” is the common word to denote a cloud; the word translated “darkness” means properly “thick clouds, cloudy darkness, gloom.” It would refer... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 97:2

Psalms 97:2. Clouds and darkness are round about him His dispensations are mysterious and altogether unaccountable; his ways in the sea, and his path in the great waters. We are not aware what his designs are, nor is it fit that we should be made acquainted with the secrets of his government. But, though there is a depth in his counsels which we must not pretend to fathom, still righteousness and judgment That is, righteous judgment, or righteousness in judgment, are the habitation ... read more

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 97:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 97:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:1-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:1-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 97:2

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 97:2

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