Psa 97 | MHM | STEP | Righteousness and Glory of the Divine Government; Establishment of Christ's Kingdom. This psalm continues the message from the last one, declaring that the Lord reigns over all. It teaches that God, who made the world, also rules it with justice and power. Jesus Christ is the King, and His rule brings both joy and awe to the world. The psalm shows that Christ’s kingdom is a reason for happiness for all people, but it is also a warning for those who oppose Him or worship idols. v. 1 : The psalmist announces, The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! . God rules over everything He created. This is good news for the whole world, not only for Israel. All people, even those far away on islands and distant lands, have a reason to rejoice because Christ is King. His rule brings honor, stability, and freedom from sin’s power.

‏ Psalms 97

Righteousness and Glory of the Divine Government; Establishment of Christ's Kingdom.

This psalm continues the message from the last one, declaring that the Lord reigns over all. It teaches that God, who made the world, also rules it with justice and power. Jesus Christ is the King, and His rule brings both joy and awe to the world. The psalm shows that Christ’s kingdom is a reason for happiness for all people, but it is also a warning for those who oppose Him or worship idols.

v. 1: The psalmist announces, The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! . God rules over everything He created. This is good news for the whole world, not only for Israel. All people, even those far away on islands and distant lands, have a reason to rejoice because Christ is King. His rule brings honor, stability, and freedom from sin’s power.

v. 2: The psalmist says, Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne . Sometimes God’s ways are mysterious, and we do not always understand why He does things. But we can be sure that everything He does is perfectly just and right. His commandments and judgments are always fair (Psalm 45:6 ^a).

v. 3–5: The psalmist describes how God deals with His enemies: Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth (Psalm 97:3–5 ^b). When Christ’s kingdom was established, many people opposed it, but God’s power is like fire and lightning that destroys all resistance. Even the strongest enemies cannot stand against Him. This was seen when Jerusalem was destroyed and the gospel spread, showing God’s justice to all people.

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v. 6: The psalmist says, The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory . God’s righteousness is clear and bright, like the sky. The angels in heaven declare it, and everyone on earth can witness God’s glory, especially when the good news of Jesus is shared everywhere (Acts 2:5, 11 ^c).

v. 7: The psalmist warns, All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods! . Idol worship will be defeated and those who trust in false gods will be embarrassed. God’s kingdom brings the end of idolatry, just as happened when the gospel spread through the world. Even the angels are called to worship Jesus (Hebrews 1:6 ^d).

Zion Rejoicing in the Reign of Christ.

This section shows the difference between those who welcome Christ’s kingdom and those who oppose it. When Jesus reigns, it brings fear and trembling to His enemies, but brings joy and happiness to His people. Zion (God’s people) is glad when Christ wins, when His gospel spreads, and when evil is defeated. This joy is not only for the leaders in Jerusalem, but also for all God’s people everywhere.

v. 8: The psalmist writes, Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O Lord . God’s people are happy to see Christ’s victories. They rejoice both when sinners are saved and when enemies are defeated. This is a fulfillment of the promise, Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Behold, your king comes to you (Zechariah 9:9 ^e).

v. 9: The reason for this joy is, For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods . God’s power and glory are seen everywhere. He rules over all nations, all kings, and every false god. Christ’s exaltation and God’s glory bring happiness to all sincere believers.

v. 10: The psalmist reminds, O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked . Those who love God should also hate sin. Jesus protects and saves His faithful people, not just their bodies but especially their souls. He keeps them safe from falling into sin and from those who try to hurt them (2 Timothy 4:18 ^f).

v. 11: The psalmist encourages, Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart . God has prepared happiness and hope for those who follow Him. Even if we have to wait, God’s children can trust that joy will come, just like seed that will grow into a harvest. Those who are sincere in their faith will receive lasting gladness, even if they face sadness now (Psalm 126:5–6 ^g).

v. 12: He finishes, Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name! (Psalm 97:12 ^h). All God’s people should direct their joy to Him and be thankful, especially for His holiness. God’s holiness is not only a reason to honor Him, but also a blessing for us if we belong to Him (Philippians 4:4; Psalm 30:4 ⁱ).