Reflections on Psalms 97

 Psalms 97(Contemporary English Version)

1. The LORD is King! Tell the earth to celebrate and all islands to shout.
   
2. Dark clouds surround him, and his throne is supported by justice and fairness.
   
3. Fire leaps from his throne, destroying his enemies,
   
4. and his lightning is so bright that the earth sees it and trembles.
   
5. Mountains melt away like wax in the presence of the LORD of all the earth.
   
6. The heavens announce, "The LORD brings justice!" Everyone sees God's glory.
   
7. Those who brag about the useless idols they worship are terribly ashamed, and all the false gods bow down to the LORD.
   
8. When the people of Zion and of the towns of Judah hear that God brings justice, they will celebrate.
   
9. The LORD rules the whole earth, and he is more glorious than all the false gods.
   
10. Love the LORD and hate evil! God protects his loyal people and rescues them from violence.
    
11. If you obey and do right, a light will show you the way and fill you with happiness.
    
12. You are the LORD's people! So celebrate and praise the only God.

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The psalmist envisions the Lord coming in all His splendor for all people to see. His coming will be awe-inspiring, for fire will go before Him and lightning will light up the world. It will be so awesome that the earth will see and tremble and the mountains will melt like wax at His presence. No one will doubt the Lord's existence or power. All those who have worshiped idols will be put to shame, realizing the object of their worship has amounted to nothing.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne which means that not all will rejoice at the Lord's appearance. Those who have acknowledged Him and worshiped Him will be glad, but those who have done evil will find that the Lord's justice does not bode well for them, for the Lord will uphold and protect "the lives of His godly ones," and will "rescue them from the hand of the wicked." (97:10) The wicked will be dealt with. Though the wicked may have had the upper hand to this point, now "Light dawns for the righteous, gladness for the upright in heart." Righteousness will prevail! Therefore, the psalmist proclaims, "Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones, and praise His holy name." (97:12)