Comment – Psalm 97 opens with the announcement of the kingdom of God and for this reason all the peoples of the earth are invited to exult for this, wherever they are. God is represented as sitting on a throne above the clouds, advancing in the storm over the nations with an irresistible progression to which nothing and nobody can resist. This image denies the worshipers of statues who turn to carved stones while the Lord is alive and unique, he stands apart from everything that exists.
Psalm 97 complete
[1] The Lord reigns, exult the earth, rejoice all the islands.
[2] Clouds and darkness envelop him, justice and law are the basis of his throne.
[3] Before him the fire walks and burns his enemies all around.
[4] His lightnings lighten the world: he sees and the earth jumps.
[5] The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.
[6] The heavens herald his righteousness and all peoples contemplate his glory.
[7] Let all worshipers of statues and those who boast of their idols be confused. Let all the gods bow down to him!
[8] Hear Zion and rejoice, the cities of Judah rejoice in your judgments, Lord.
[9] Because you are, Lord, the Most High over all the earth, you are exalted above all the gods.
[10] You hate evil, you who love the Lord: he who guards the lives of his faithful will snatch them from the hands of the wicked.
Recommended readings- Psalm 76: complete, commentary
- Psalm 62: complete, commentary
- Psalm 102: complete, commentary
- Psalm 6: complete, commentary
- Psalm 20: complete, commentary
[11] A light has risen for the just, joy for the upright in heart.
[12] Rejoice, righteous, in the Lord, give thanks to his holy name.
