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Commentary on Psalms 97 verses 1–7
What was to be said among the heathen in the foregoing psalm (Psa 97:10) is here said again (Psa 97:1) and is made the subject of this psalm, and of psalm 99. The Lord reigns; that is the great truth here laid down. The Lord Jehovah reigns, he that made the world governs it; he that gave being gives motion and power, gives law and commission, gives success and event. Every man's judgment proceeds from the Lord, from his counsel and providence, and in all affairs, both public and private, he performs the thing which he himself has appointed. The Lord Jesus reigns; the providential kingdom is twisted in with the mediatorial and the administration of both is in the hand of Christ, who therefore is both the head of the church and head over all things to the church. The kingdom of Christ is so constituted that,
I. It may be matter of joy to all; and it will be so if it be not their own fault. Let the earth rejoice, for hereby it is established (Psa 96:10); it is honoured and enriched, and, in part, rescued from the vanity which by sin it is made subject to. Not only let the people of Israel rejoice in him as King of the Jews, and the daughter of Zion as her King, but let all the earth rejoice in his elevation; for the kingdoms of the world shall, more or less, sooner or later, become his kingdoms: Let the multitude of isles, the many or great isles, be glad thereof. This is applicable to our country, which is a great isle, and has many belonging to it; at least, it speaks comfort in general to the Gentiles, whose countries are called the isles of the Gentiles, Gen 10:5. There is enough in Christ for the multitude of the isles to rejoice in; for, though many have been made happy in him, yet still there is room. All have reason to rejoice in Christ's government. 1. In the equity of it. There is an incontestable justice in all the acts of his government, both legislative and judicial. Sometimes indeed clouds and darkness are round about him; his dispensations are altogether unaccountable; his way is in the sea and his path in the great waters. We are not aware of what he designs, what he drives at; nor is it fit that we should be let into the secrets of his government. There is a depth in his counsels, which we must not pretend to fathom. But still righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne; a golden thread of justice runs through the whole web of his administration. In this he resides, for it is his habitation. In this he rules, for it is the habitation of his throne. His commandments are, and will be, all righteous. Righteousness and judgment are the basis of his throne (so Dr. Hammond); for therefore his throne is for ever and ever, because his sceptre is a right sceptre, Psa 45:6. The throne is established in righteousness. Even the heavens declare his righteousness (Psa 97:6); it is as conspicuous and as illustrious as the heavens themselves. The angels of heaven will declare it, who are employed as messengers in the administration of his government and therefore know more of it than any of his creatures. His righteousness is incontestable; for who can contradict or dispute what the heavens declare? Psa 50:6. 2. In the extent of it in the upper and lower world. (1.) All the men on earth are under his government; either he is served by them or he serves himself by them. All the people see his glory, or may see it. The glory of God, in the face of Christ, was made to shine in distant countries, among many people, more or less among all people; the gospel was preached, for aught we know, in all languages, Act 2:5, Act 2:11. Miracles were wrought in all nations, and so all the people saw his glory. Have they not heard? Rom 10:18. (2.) All the angels in heaven are so. Perhaps we should not have found this truth in those words (Psa 97:7), Worship him, all you gods, if we had not been directed to it by the inspired apostle, who, from the Septuagint version of those words, makes the Messiah to be introduced into the upper world at the ascension with this charge (Heb 1:6), Let all the angels of God worship him, which helps us to a key to this whole psalm, and shows us that it must be applied to the exalted Redeemer, who has gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God, which intimates that all power is given him both in heaven and earth, angels, authorities, and powers, being made subject unto him, Pe1 3:22. This speaks the honour of Christ, that he has such worshippers, and the honour of all good Christians, that they have such fellow-worshippers.
II. Christ's government, though it may be matter of joy to all, will yet be matter of terror to some, and it is their own fault that it is so, Psa 97:3-5, Psa 97:7. Observe,
1.When the kingdom of Christ was to be set up in the world, after his ascension, it would meet with many enemies, and much opposition would be given to it. He that reigns, to the joy of the whole earth, yet, as he has his subjects, so he has his enemies (Psa 97:3), that not only will not have him to reign over them, but would not have him to reign at all, that not only will not enter into the kingdom of heaven themselves, but do all they can to hinder those that are entering, Mat 23:13. This was fulfilled in the enmity of the unbelieving Jews to the gospel of Christ, and the violent persecution which in all places they stirred up against the preachers and professors of it. These enemies are here called hills (Psa 97:5), for their height, and strength, and immovable obstinacy. It was the princes of this world that crucified the Lord of glory, Co1 2:8; Psa 2:2.
2.The opposition which the Jews gave to the setting up of Christ's kingdom turned to their own ruin. Their persecuting the apostles, and forbidding them to speak to the Gentiles, filled up their sin, and brought wrath upon them to the uttermost, Th1 2:15, Th1 2:16. That wrath is here compared, (1.) To consuming fire, which goes before him, and burns up his enemies, that have made themselves like chaff and stubble, and have set the briers and thorns before him in battle, Isa 27:4. This fire of divine wrath will not only burn the rubbish upon the hills, but will even melt the hills themselves like wax, Psa 97:5. When our God appears as a consuming fire even rocks will be wax before him. The most resolute and daring opposition will be baffled at the presence of the Lord. His very presence is enough to shame and sink it, for he is the Lord of the whole earth, by whom all the children of men are manageable and to whom they are accountable. Men hate and persecute God's people, because they think him absent, that the Lord has forsaken the earth; but, when he manifests his presence, they melt. (2.) To amazing lightnings (Psa 97:4), which strike a terror upon many. The judgments God brought upon the enemies of Christ's kingdom were such as all the world took notice of with terror: The earth saw and trembled, and the ears of all that heard were made to tingle. This was fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish nation by the Romans, about forty years after Christ's resurrection, which, like fire, wholly destroyed that people, and, like lightning, astonished all their neighbours (Deu 29:24); but the heavens declare God's righteousness in it, and all the people, to this day, see his glory, in those lasting monuments of his justice, the scattered Jews.
3.Idolaters also would be put to confusion by the setting up of Christ's kingdom (v. 7): Confounded be all those who serve graven images, the Gentile world, who did service to those that by nature are no gods (Gal 4:8), who boasted themselves of idols as their protectors and benefactors. Did those that served idols boast of them, and shall the servants of the living God distrust him, or be ashamed of him? Let those be ashamed that serve graven images. (1.) This is a prayer for the conversion of the Gentiles, that those who have been so long serving dumb idols may be convinced of their error, ashamed of their folly, and may, by the power of Christ's gospel, be brought to serve the only living and true God, and may be as much ashamed of their idols as ever they were proud of them. See Isa 2:20, Isa 2:21. (2.) This is a prophecy of the ruin of those that would not be reformed and reclaimed from their idolatry; they shall be confounded by the destruction of Paganism in the Roman empire, which was fulfilled about 300 years after Christ, so much to the terror of idolaters that some think it was the revolution under Constantine that made even the mighty men say to the rocks, Fall on us and hide us, Rev 6:15, Rev 6:16. This prayer and prophecy are still in force against antichristian idolaters, who may here read their doom: Confounded be all those that worship graven images, Psa 97:7. See Jer 48:13.
"The heavens have declared His righteousness: and all the people have seen His glory" [Psalm 97:6]. What heavens have declared? "The heavens declare the glory of God." Who are the heavens? Those who have become His seat; for as God sits in the heavens, so does He sit in the Apostles, so does He sit in the preachers of the Gospel. Even thou, if you will, shall be a heaven. Do you wish to be so? Purge from your heart the earth. If you have not earthly lusts, and hast not in vain uttered the response, that you have "lifted up your heart," you shall be a heaven. "If you be risen with Christ," says the Apostle to believers, "set your affection on things above, not on things of the earth." [Colossians 3:1-2] You have begun to set your affection upon things above, not on things upon earth; have you not become a heaven? Thou carriest flesh, and in your heart you are already a heaven; for your conversation will be in heaven. [Philippians 3:20] Being such, thou also declarest Christ; for who of the faithful declares not Christ?...Therefore the whole Church preaches Christ, and the heavens declare His righteousness; for all the faithful, whose care it is to gain unto God those who have not yet believed, and who do this from love, are heavens. From them God thunders forth the terror of His judgment; and he who was unbelieving trembles, and is alarmed, and believes. He shows unto men what power Christ had throughout the world, by pleading with them, and leading them to love Christ. For how many this day have led their friends either to some pantomimist, or flute-player? Why, except from their liking him? And do ye love Christ. For He who conquered the world has exhibited such spectacles, as that no man can say that he finds in them cause for blame. For each person's favourite in the theatre is often vanquished there. But no man is vanquished in Christ: there is no reason for shame. Seize, lead, draw, whom you may: be without fear, you are leading unto Him, who displeases not those who see Him; and ask ye Him to enlighten them, that they may behold to good account.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 97:6 powerfully declares the universal and undeniable revelation of God's character, asserting that His perfect righteousness is proclaimed by the very cosmos, and His majestic glory will be visibly apprehended by all humanity. This verse encapsulates the twin truths of divine self-disclosure through creation and the ultimate, eschatological unveiling of God's sovereign reign and perfect justice to every eye. It serves as a foundational declaration of God's absolute sovereignty, His moral perfection, and the certainty of His glorious, universal dominion over all creation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 97 is a vibrant "enthronement psalm," part of a significant collection (Psalms 93, 95-99) celebrating Yahweh's kingship and His triumphant reign over all creation. The psalm opens with the declarative shout, "The LORD reigns!" (Psalms 97:1), setting the tone for a dramatic portrayal of God's appearance in power and judgment. Verses 2-5 depict a awe-inspiring theophany, describing terrifying natural phenomena—clouds, darkness, fire, lightning, and melting mountains—that accompany His coming, emphasizing His immense power and holiness. Within this climactic backdrop, verse 6 serves as a pivotal statement, highlighting the purpose and effect of this divine manifestation: to declare God's righteousness and reveal His glory to all. It transitions from the physical signs of His presence to the universal recognition of His character, preparing the reader for the subsequent call to worship and the joy of those who find refuge in Him.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the concept of divine kingship was prevalent, often associated with local deities and their specific territories. However, the Israelite understanding of God's kingship, as expressed in Psalms 97, radically transcends these notions. YHWH is not merely a tribal deity but the universal sovereign, whose reign extends over all nations and creation. The "heavens" (שָׁמַיִם, shamayim') in ancient cosmology were understood as the visible dome above the earth, the very fabric of the cosmos, often associated with the dwelling place of God. For the heavens to "declare" God's righteousness implies an inherent, self-evident testimony embedded within the created order itself, accessible to all peoples, regardless of their specific cultural or religious background. This universal declaration contrasts sharply with the polytheistic and idolatrous practices of surrounding cultures, asserting the unique, singular, and universally manifest nature of Israel's God, who is unlike any other.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of General Revelation, asserting that God's attributes, particularly His righteousness, are made evident through the natural world. This echoes the profound truth articulated in Psalm 19:1-4, where the heavens are depicted as ceaselessly proclaiming God's glory and handiwork. Secondly, it highlights Universal Acknowledgment, pointing to a future, ultimate revelation where God's majesty and splendor will be undeniably visible to all humanity. This is not merely an intellectual understanding but a profound, experiential recognition of His awesome presence and power, aligning with prophetic visions such as Isaiah 40:5, which foretells that "the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." Lastly, the verse powerfully intertwines God's Righteousness and Glory. His glory (His splendor, majesty, and inherent worth) is not merely an outward display of power but is intrinsically rooted in His perfect character, especially His unwavering justice and moral uprightness. His reign is glorious precisely because it is perfectly righteous.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 97:6 masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically synonymous or complementary parallelism, where the two clauses express similar or related ideas in different words. "The heavens declare his righteousness" is beautifully echoed and amplified by "and all the people see his glory." The declaration by the heavens is complemented by the universal apprehension by humanity, linking God's inherent character (righteousness) with its visible manifestation (glory). This verse also utilizes Personification, attributing the human action of "declaring" to the inanimate "heavens." This vivid imagery imbues creation with an active voice, emphasizing that God's attributes are not merely inferred but are loudly and continuously proclaimed by the cosmos itself. Furthermore, the phrase "all the people" conveys a sense of Universalism or even Hyperbole, underscoring the comprehensive and undeniable nature of God's ultimate self-revelation.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding God's self-revelation and His ultimate dominion. It beautifully marries the concept of general revelation—God's truth displayed through creation—with the promise of a future, universal, and undeniable manifestation of His glory. It asserts that God's character, particularly His righteousness, is not hidden but is openly proclaimed by the very fabric of the cosmos. This cosmic witness serves as an inescapable testimony to humanity, leaving all without excuse. The "seeing" of His glory by "all the people" points to the eschatological climax of history, when God's reign will be fully established, and every knee will bow. This future revelation will validate His righteous judgments and confirm His sovereign authority over all creation and all nations. It underscores that God's glory is intrinsically linked to His justice; His splendor is not arbitrary but flows from His perfect moral character, ensuring His reign is both magnificent and just.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 97:6 invites believers to cultivate a profound sense of awe and worship, recognizing that the universe itself is a grand cathedral ceaselessly proclaiming the character of its Creator. When we observe the intricate order of the cosmos, the vastness of the heavens, or the delicate balance of ecosystems, we are not merely witnessing natural phenomena but hearing a divine declaration of God's righteousness and glory. This understanding should inspire us to live lives that reflect the righteousness of the God we serve, knowing that His character is the bedrock of His reign. For those who have yet to acknowledge Him, this verse serves as both a gracious invitation and a solemn warning: God's truth is universally accessible, and His glory will one day be undeniably revealed to all, calling every individual to account before His righteous throne. Therefore, we are called to respond with humility, repentance, and worship, aligning our lives with the revealed will of the sovereign King whose glory fills the heavens and will one day be seen by all.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the heavens declare his righteousness" mean practically for us today?
Answer: Practically, this means that God has embedded evidence of His moral character and just nature within the very fabric of creation. We don't need a special revelation to know that there is a Creator who is orderly, powerful, and righteous. The consistent laws of physics, the intricate design of life, and even the innate human sense of right and wrong (conscience) all point to a divine source that is good and just. As Romans 1:20 states, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." This cosmic declaration means that humanity is accountable to God, having been given sufficient testimony of His existence and character through the created order itself.
When will "all the people see his glory"?
Answer: The phrase "all the people see his glory" has a dual fulfillment. In one sense, those who have spiritual eyes to see, through faith in Christ, can already perceive and experience God's glory in His works, His Word, and His Spirit. However, the primary prophetic thrust points to a future, eschatological event. This will be a literal, undeniable, and universal revelation of God's glory at the return of Jesus Christ. Every eye will behold Him, whether in adoration or in judgment. This is foretold in passages like Matthew 24:30 ("Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory") and Revelation 1:7 ("Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples on earth will mourn because of him."). This future seeing will be the ultimate validation of God's righteous reign and the culmination of His plan for salvation and judgment.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 97:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the heavens declare God's righteousness through creation, Christ is the very embodiment and perfect manifestation of that righteousness and glory. He is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" (Hebrews 1:3). In His incarnation, "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Jesus' life, perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection fully revealed God's righteousness, demonstrating both His holy justice against sin and His merciful love in providing salvation. Through Christ, the "light of the knowledge of God's glory" shines in our hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6). Furthermore, the universal "seeing" of God's glory by "all the people" will be definitively realized at Christ's second coming, when "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11). Thus, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and living declaration of God's righteousness and the glorious King whom all people will ultimately acknowledge.