Sacred Texts  Bible  Bible Commentary  Index 
Psalms Index
  Previous  Next 

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] at sacred-texts.com


Psalms Chapter 97

Psalms 97:1

psa 97:1

The writer celebrates the Lord's dominion over nations and nature, describes its effect on foes and friends, and exhorts and encourages the latter. (Psa 97:1-12)

This dominion is a cause of joy, because, even though our minds are oppressed with terror before the throne of the King of kings (Exo 19:16; Deu 5:22), we know it is based on righteous principles and judgments which are according to truth.

Psalms 97:3

psa 97:3

The attending illustrations of God's awful justice on enemies (Psa 83:14) are seen in the disclosures of His almighty power on the elements of nature (compare Psa 46:2; Psa 77:17; Hab 3:6, &c.).

Psalms 97:6

psa 97:6

heavens--or, their inhabitants (Psa 50:6), as opposed to "nations" in the latter clause (compare Isa 40:5; Isa 66:18).

Psalms 97:7

psa 97:7

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" (Psa 8:5; Psa 138:1; Heb 1:6; Heb 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.

Psalms 97:8

psa 97:8

The exaltation of Zion's king is joy to the righteous and sorrow to the wicked.

daughters of Judah--(Compare Psa 48:11).

Psalms 97:9

psa 97:9

above all gods-- (Psa 95:3).

Psalms 97:10

psa 97:10

Let gratitude for the blessings of providence and grace incite saints (Psa 4:3) to holy living. Spiritual blessings are in store, represented by light (Psa 27:1) and gladness.

Psalms 97:11

psa 97:11

sown--to spring forth abundantly for such, who alone can and well may rejoice in the holy government of their sovereign Lord (compare Psa 30:4; Psa 32:11).


Next: Psalms Chapter 98