[1] The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Isles — The Gentile nations, as this word, used Matthew 12:21.
[2] Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
Darkness — A dark cloud doth encompass him.
[6] The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
Heavens — The angels, yea God himself from heaven.
[7] Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
Confounded — Let them be ashamed of their folly.
Gods — All you whom the Gentiles have made the objects of their worship.
[8] Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
Zion — Thy people dwelling in Zion or Jerusalem, to whom Christ came.
Heard — The fame of thy judgments, and the setting up the kingdom of the Messiah.
[11] Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Light — Joy and happiness.
Sown — Is laid up for them.
Psalm 97 Bible Commentary
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Verse 1
[1] The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Isles — The Gentile nations, as this word, used Matthew 12:21.
Verse 2
[2] Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
Darkness — A dark cloud doth encompass him.
Verse 6
[6] The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
Heavens — The angels, yea God himself from heaven.
Verse 7
[7] Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
Confounded — Let them be ashamed of their folly.
Gods — All you whom the Gentiles have made the objects of their worship.
Verse 8
[8] Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
Zion — Thy people dwelling in Zion or Jerusalem, to whom Christ came.
Heard — The fame of thy judgments, and the setting up the kingdom of the Messiah.
Verse 11
[11] Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Light — Joy and happiness.
Sown — Is laid up for them.