In Psalm 97 the coming
itself is celebrated; Jehovah has taken to Him His great
power and His reign. The earth and the multitude of isles
are to rejoice. Clouds and darkness are round about Him,
for it is the revelation of His judgments in power, not
of Himself. Righteousness and judgment ever characterise
His throne. The fire of judgment goes before Him and
consumes His enemies. Jehovah, the Lord of the whole
earth, comes forth out of His place. The heavens (for on
earth there is none) in power declare His righteousness.
The peoples see His glory. The effect of the judgment is
then stated. Idol worship is confounded before Him, and
all power and authority, from angels downwards, are now
to own Him. But another fact comes out—this was joy
and deliverance to Zion. The judgment of evil was her
deliverance, for it was the glorious exaltation of
Jehovah, her God. [1]
In verses 10-12 we see the blessed objects of the
deliverance—the godly remnant. Light is sown for the
righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. It is a
very complete statement of the character of the Lord's
coming to earth.
[1] This in Isaiah
30: 32, where the grounded staff, that is the decreed
rod, was to pass, it was with tabrets and harps.
Psalm 97 Bible Commentary
John Darby’s Synopsis
In Psalm 97 the coming itself is celebrated; Jehovah has taken to Him His great power and His reign. The earth and the multitude of isles are to rejoice. Clouds and darkness are round about Him, for it is the revelation of His judgments in power, not of Himself. Righteousness and judgment ever characterise His throne. The fire of judgment goes before Him and consumes His enemies. Jehovah, the Lord of the whole earth, comes forth out of His place. The heavens (for on earth there is none) in power declare His righteousness. The peoples see His glory. The effect of the judgment is then stated. Idol worship is confounded before Him, and all power and authority, from angels downwards, are now to own Him. But another fact comes out—this was joy and deliverance to Zion. The judgment of evil was her deliverance, for it was the glorious exaltation of Jehovah, her God. [1] In verses 10-12 we see the blessed objects of the deliverance—the godly remnant. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. It is a very complete statement of the character of the Lord's coming to earth.
[1] This in Isaiah 30: 32, where the grounded staff, that is the decreed rod, was to pass, it was with tabrets and harps.