Psalm 97
Faith is encouraged to joyfully contemplate Christ's
kingdom. It may be hidden from the world; but it is dreadful to all
adversaries. Exhortations follow to abound in holy joy.
1. "The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the
multitude of isles be glad thereof."
The Lord reigns. This is the Gospel's note. It is a truth
prolific of holy joy. All events obey His scepter. In every circumstance,
therefore, joy should wave its tranquil wand throughout the heart. Every
occurrence should whisper, It is the Lord; let Him do what seems good to
Him. Events may sometimes show a frowning aspect, but happy believers
receive them as blessings in disguise.
2. "Clouds and darkness are round about Him;
righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne."
Faith may not always discern the intent of God's rule. To
the ungodly His will is shrouded in impenetrable darkness. They do not know
the mighty Ruler. They do not understand the workings of His hand. Solemn
lessons are embodied in the word. If they had known, they would not have
crucified the Lord of glory. But His throne is established high on the
pinnacle of righteousness and justice. All the decrees of His tribunal are
offsprings of these attributes, and shine as reflections of His glory.
Happy, indeed, are those in whose hearts the Lord God reigns righteously.
3-6. "A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies
round about. His lightnings enlightened the world; the earth saw, and
trembled. The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the
presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare His
righteousness, and all the people see His glory."
Thoughts here recall Sinai's terrors. When the fiery law
was promulgated, dreadful manifestations announced that vengeance would
destroy opponents. In Christ's kingdom, holy indignation is also against all
unrighteousness. Here strong images are employed to show that wrath will
scrutinize and rightly execute its tremendous work. Tribulation and anguish
must be the rebel's doom. Blessed are those who are delivered from this
wrath, and are translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son.
7-9. "Confounded be all those who serve engraved
images, that boast themselves of idols; worship Him, all you gods. Zion
heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of Your
judgments, O Lord. For You, Lord, are high above all the earth; You are
exalted far above all gods."
Let no fond dream suggest that idolatry is not an
abomination in God's sight. Truth has denounced its sure destruction, and
destruction will surely come. Let all who hear take warning, and meekly bow
before the King of kings. The ear of faith hears God's resolve, and rejoices
in the thought that homage and worship shall be rendered to Him to whom it
is so justly due.
10-12. "You who love the Lord, hate evil; He preserves
the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance o f
His holiness."
Believers are here pointedly described. Their conspicuous
feature is love of their Lord. It is a true address, 'O You Whom my soul
loves!' He demands our hearts. Let them be His in every pulse, at every
moment. The best proof of this love will be hatred of all that is adverse to
Him. Those who love Him will nestle in His heart, and His power will screen
them from all harm. As seed sown springs from the bosom of the earth, so
light and gladness are laid up for the happy flock, and assuredly will be
their portion. They have all cause to rejoice, to be glad, and to give
thanks. God's holiness frightens the wicked. The thought is terror to them.
His servants ponder this attribute with delight. They turn not from the
precept, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'