Psalm 97:4

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 97:4

His lightnings enlightened the world ,.... Either the doctrines of the Gospel, compared thereunto, because of the swift progress they made, and the large extent of them in the world, in a very little time; by the apostles they were published in all nations, and were the means of enlightening them in the true knowledge of themselves, and of the way of salvation by Christ: hence they are called the "lights of the world", Matthew 5:14 , as the coming of Christ, in his kingdom and power, by... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 97:4

His lightnings enlightened the world - Though this be no more than a majestic description of the coming of the Lord, to confound his enemies and succor his followers, yet some spiritualize the passage, and say, the lightnings signify the apostles, who enlightened the world by their heavenly doctrine. The earth saw, and trembled - The earth is represented as a sentient being. It saw the terrible majesty of God; and trembled through terror, fearing it should be destroyed on account of the... 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 97:3-5

The sign of the storm god (comp. Exodus 19:1-25 .; 20.; Habakkuk 3:1-19 .; Hebrews 12:18-21 ; see also Psalms 77:17 , Psalms 77:18 ). There is here an evident reference to an Eastern thunderstorm. Lightning and thunder, among all superstitious peoples, are regarded as special manifestations of the Deity. To us storms are but nature forces, having their intensity, and their comings and goings, according to ordinary nature laws. But poetry can now do, better than superstition, what... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 97:4

His lightnings enlightened the world. Here the tenses change from present to past—not, however, that any past event is alluded to, but merely to mark prophetic certainty. The psalmist, rapt in vision, sees the future as past. Lightnings play a part in almost' all theophanies ( Exodus 19:16 ; Job 37:1-5 ; Psalms 18:13 ; Psalms 77:18 , etc.). The earth saw, and trembled (comp. 5:4 ; Psalms 68:8 ; Psalms 114:7 ). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 97:4

His lightnings enlightened the world ... - See the notes at Psalms 77:18. Compare Psalms 104:32; Habakkuk 3:6-10. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 97:3-5

Psalms 97:3-5. A fire goeth before him, &c. “The judgments of God, and their effects upon the world, are here set forth, under the usual similitude of lightning and fire from heaven, causing the earth to tremble, and the mountains to melt and dissolve away.” And by these terrible appearances in the natural world are especially signified those dreadful judgments of God, which were to be inflicted upon the Jews and others for their contempt and rejection of the Messiah, which was foretold... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 97:1-12

Psalms 97-100 God the universal kingPsalms 97:0 follows on from the thought on which the previous psalm closed (namely, that God is king over the earth). It shows that holiness, righteousness and justice are the basis of God’s kingdom. His judgment will be as universal as a flash of lightning and as powerful as an all-consuming fire (97:1-5). Every thing will bow before his rule (6-7). His own people already recognize him as Lord and bring him fitting worship (8-9). They can experience the... read more

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