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Psalm 97
Seventh Sunday of Easter C (Psalm) May 24, 1998
Psalm 97:1-12
The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
[2] Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
[3] Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.
[4] His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
[5] The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
[6] The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
[7] All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols--
worship him, all you gods!
[8] Zion hears and rejoices
and the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments, O Lord.
[9] For you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
[10] Let those who love the Lord hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
[11] Light is shed upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
[12] Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.
(NIV)
Psalm 97:1-7 (The Lord Jesus reigns in power that cannot be resisted)
Though many have been made happy in Christ, still there is room. And all have reason to rejoice in Christ’s government. There is a depth in his counsels, which we must not pretend to fathom; but still righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. Christ’s government, though it might be matter of joy to all, will yet be matter of terror to some; but it is their own fault that it is so. The most resolute and daring opposition will be baffled at the presence of the Lord. And the Lord Jesus will ere long come, and put an end to idol worship of every kind.
Psalm 97:8-12 (His care of his people, and his provision for them)
The faithful servants of God may well rejoice and be glad, because he is glorified; and whatever tends to his honour, is his people’s pleasure. Care is taken for their safety. But something more is meant than their lives. The Lord will preserve the souls of his saints from sin, from apostacy, and despair, under their greatest trials. He will deliver them out of the hands of the wicked one, and preserve them safe to his heavenly kingdom. And those that rejoice in Christ Jesus, and in his exaltation, have fountains of joy prepared for them. Those that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. Gladness is sure to the upright in heart; the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment. Sinners tremble, but saints rejoice at God’s holiness. As he hates sin, yet freely loves the person of the repentant sinner who believes in Christ, he will make a final separation between the person he loves and the sin he hates, and sanctify his people wholly, body, soul, and spirit.
(Matthew Henry Concise Commentary)