Psalm 97:
“The Lord Reigns: Earth, Idol, and Saints”
“...give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”
One writer has given the following title to this poem: “Rejoice! He Is the God of Power and Justice.” Rejoicing and gladness are mentioned three times each in this short psalm. The idea that Jehovah reigns is supposed to produce happy results!
The discussion of His reigning and the joy that should result from this fact is related to three relationships: His relationship to the earth, idols, and His saints.
Verses 1-6: The Reigning Lord and the Earth
The first part of the psalm gives us a summary (v.1), and a declaration (vv.2-6). The summary verse claims that the Lord reigns, and this should cause joy. The other verses mention various features of the earth and appropriate connections. Let us note them: In verse 2, the clouds and darkness are connected to important features of His throne (from which He reigns): “Though Jehovah shrouds himself in mystery, and comes with irresistible might, it is the consolation of His people to know that His kingdom is founded upon righteous-ness” (Kirkpatrick, p. 580). In verse 3, the power of fire is linked to His ability to deal with those who are against Him. In verse 4, lightnings are used to impress His power upon the mind of the observer. In verse 5, we are reminded of the power of His presence over the hills (see Nahum 1:5): He does with them as He pleases; and whatever happens to the earth ought to remind us that He is over all. In verse 6, our attention is directed from the earth up to the heavens—they too declare His glory and righteousness (Psalm 19:1; Acts 14:15-17; Romans 1:18-20).
Let us read these six verses:
The LORD reigns;
Let the earth rejoice;
Let the multitude of isles be glad!
Clouds and darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
A fire goes before Him,
And burns up His enemies round about.
His lightnings light the world;
The earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt 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 peoples see His glory.
Verses 7-9: The Reigning Lord and Idols
The second part of the psalm gives us a lesson about idols and their makers (v.7); an encouragement for Zion to hear this (v.8); and a contrast between the LORD and idols (v.9). These idols cannot do any of the things that Jehovah can do because they cannot do anything at all!! When Zion heard this, there was gladness and rejoicing—and so it should be when we hear the truth about God in contrast with the total impotence of all idols! He is to be exalted far above all of the things that men invent—especially their “gods.”
Let us read these three verses:
Let all be put to shame who serve carved images,
Who boast of idols.
Worship Him, all you gods.
Zion hears and is glad,
And the daughters of Judah rejoice
Because of Your judgments, O LORD.
For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.
Verses 10-12: The reigning Lord and His saints
The third part of the psalm gives us a note about the Lord and those who love Him (v.10), and a note about the righteous and their blessings (vv.11,12). Loving the Lord is consistent with hating evil; and such a consistent manner of life results in the preservation and deliverance of His holy ones. The use of the word “light” in verse 11 represents the prosperity and happiness that is in the lives of the upright (see Psalm 112). And this leads to the joy and thankfulness of verse 12. All of this is based in the reality of His holiness and our remembrance of it.
Let us read these last three verses:
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 of His holy name.
(NKJV)
The last phrase of the psalm, “And give thanks at the remembrance
of His holy name”; contains a wonderful lesson for our conclusion:
Learning the truth about the only God who exists causes us to have a
flood of happy thoughts even when the only word that comes before us is
His name! Isn’t that true with the names of people, places and
things that are important to you in some way? Should it not be even
more so as it relates to any of the names of the Father, the Son, or the
Holy Spirit?
— Skip Andrews
Next Week:
Psalm 98:
A New Song:
What, Why, How, and Who
Listen to our Sunday services on the Web.
Just go to
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SICK LIST:
Jackie Wilson’s grandson, Billy Wilson, III, has been in Scottish Rite
Hospital with pneumonia. Paul Boaz continues to improve with his
pacemaker. Dave Komisak is having some recurring problems following
his surgery on his neck. Let’s remember those who are ill and their
families in our prayers.
PLANTATION SOUTH: Group 1 is in charge of the services today at 1:30. This month Thomas Reid will be speaking each week.
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY UPDATE:
For those who missed getting a new picture for our directory, there will
be a make-up date Sunday, March 10. It is very important for everyone
to get a new picture. Please see Jimmie or Linda Hill if there
is a problem with the make-up date. The elders appreciate your cooperation.
SYMPATHY:
We extend our sincere sympathy to Billy and Jackie Wilson at the death
of Billy’s son, Billy, Jr. He passed away last week unexpectedly
following a bout with bronchitis. He was 48 years old. The
Wilson family is in our prayers.
FOR THE RECORD:
AM Class
114
AM Worship
134
PM Worship
105
Wednesday Class 114
Contribution
$4786
Budget
$5150
VOLUME 4:5 MARCH 3, 2002