---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Psalms 97"
description: "PSALM 97   :-. The writer celebrates the Lord"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/psalms/97"
---

PSALM 97

. The writer celebrates the Lord's dominion over nations
and nature, describes its effect on foes and friends, and exhorts and
encourages the latter.

**1, 2.** This dominion is a cause
of joy, because, even though our minds are oppressed with terror
before the throne of the King of kings ([Exodus 19:16](../../../kjv/exodus/19/16);
[Deuteronomy 5:22](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/5/22)), we know it is based on
righteous principles and judgments which are according to truth.

**3-5.** The attending illustrations
of God's awful justice on enemies () are seen in the disclosures of His almighty power on the
elements of nature (compare [Psalms 46:2](../../../kjv/psalms/46/2);
[Psalms 77:17](../../../kjv/psalms/77/17); [Habakkuk 3:6](../../../kjv/habakkuk/3/6),
&c.).

**6. heavens**—or, their
inhabitants ([Psalms 50:6](../../../kjv/psalms/50/6)), as
opposed to "nations" in the latter clause (compare [Isaiah 40:5](../../../kjv/isaiah/40/5);
[Isaiah 66:18](../../../kjv/isaiah/66/18)).

**7.** Idolaters are utterly put to
shame, for if angels must worship Him, how much more those who
worshipped them.
**all ye gods**—literally,
"all ye angels" ([Psalms 8:5](../../../kjv/psalms/8/5);
[Psalms 138:1](../../../kjv/psalms/138/1); [Hebrews 1:6](../../../kjv/hebrews/1/6);
[Hebrews 2:7](../../../kjv/hebrews/2/7)). Paul quotes, not as a
prophecy, but as language used in regard to the Lord Jehovah, who in
the Old Testament *theophania* is the second person of the
Godhead.

**8, 9.** The exaltation of Zion's
king is joy to the righteous and sorrow to the wicked.
**daughters of Judah**—(Compare
[Psalms 48:11](../../../kjv/psalms/48/11)).

**9. above all gods**— ().

**10-12.** Let gratitude for the
blessings of providence and grace incite saints () to holy living. Spiritual blessings are in store,
represented by light ([Psalms 27:1](../../../kjv/psalms/27/1))
and gladness.

**11. sown**—to spring forth
abundantly for such, who alone can and well may rejoice in the holy
government of their sovereign Lord (compare [Psalms 30:4](../../../kjv/psalms/30/4);
[Psalms 32:11](../../../kjv/psalms/32/11)).

**10-12.** Let gratitude for the
blessings of providence and grace incite saints () to holy living. Spiritual blessings are in store,
represented by light ([Psalms 27:1](../../../kjv/psalms/27/1))
and gladness.

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