Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 97

The Lord reigneth. See Ps. 93:1; 96:10; 99:1. The Christian should often make this glorious affirmation. Earth rejoice. See Ps. 96:1. Multitude of isles. Literally, “many isles”; the word translated “isles” may mean both “isles” and “coastlands.” Here evidently the islands and coastlands of the Mediterranean Sea are primarily referred to (see Ps. 72:10; cf. Isa. 60:9).

Clouds and darkness. Descriptive of how the majesty of God reveals itself to the eyes of mortal man. There are mysteries concerning the Deity man cannot fathom (see Rom. 11:33; Ed 169; SC 111; PP 43). Righteousness and judgment. See Ps. 89:14. It matters not how great the evil may be, righteousness will ultimately prevail. “Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again; The eternal years of God are hers; But Error, wounded, writhes in pain, And dies among his worshippers.” —WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT, “The Battle Field”

A fire. See Ps. 18:13; 50:3.

His lightnings. See Ps. 77:16–18 cf. 104:32; Hab. 3:6–10. The earth. Compare Judges 5:4; Ps. 68:8; 114:7.

The hills melted. Compare Judges 5:5; Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:5; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 20:11. The divine manifestation at Sinai seems to be in the poet’s mind. Presence of the Lord. The repetition lends emphasis to the all-inclusive title of Deity (see Joshua 3:11, 13; Micah 4:13; cf. Zech. 4:14; 6:5).

The heavens declare. See on Ps. 19:1; 50:6. People. Literally, “peoples” (see v. 1; cf. Isa. 40:5).

Confounded. A description of the impression made upon the heathen when the glory of God appears. The idols are impotent before God. All ye gods. See on Ps. 82:1, 6. If the gods of the heathen are referred to, it is only in figure, for these gods actually do not exist. The LXX reads: “Worship Him, all ye His angels” (see on Ps. 8:5). The Vulgate has: “Adore Him, all ye angels.”

Zion. See Ps. 2:6; 9:14; 68:16; see on Ps. 48:2. Ps. 97:8 describes the impression made upon Israel when the glory of God appears. Zion rejoiced when she heard the glad things that the Lord reigned. Daughters of Judah. See on Ps. 48:11. Because of thy judgments. They rejoice, not vindictively, but because truth has triumphed.

High. Heb. ‘Elyon (see Vol. I, p. 173; Ps. 83:18). Above all gods. See on Ps. 95:3.

Hate evil. The psalmist concludes with an exhortation to hate evil (see Ps. 45:7; CT 397; cf. Ps. 34:14–22; 2 Cor. 6:14–18). Evil separates us from God. Indifference to evil opens the way for Satan to enter the life. Where there is love of sin in the heart, there can be no real religion (see Prov. 8:13). Souls. See on Ps. 16:10. Saints. Heb. chasidim (see Additional Note on Ps. 36). Delivereth them. Compare Dan. 3:16–30; 6:16–23.

Is sown. From the Heb. zara‘, “to sow [as of seed in the field]”. The word is used figuratively with reference to moral subjects, as to sow “righteousness” (Prov. 11:18), “iniquity” (Prov. 22:8), “wickedness” (Job 4:8)—things which, when sown, may produce a corresponding harvest. “Light” may here be conceived of as a seed sown, ready to spring forth and bear fruit for the honest seeker after truth. “Every truly honest soul will come to the light of truth. ‘Light is sown for the righteous.’ And no church can advance in holiness unless its members are earnestly seeking for truth as for hid treasure” (GC 522). Instead of zara‘ one Hebrew manuscript has zarach, “to shine forth.” This reading is supported by the LXX, the Syriac, and the Targums. Zarach is used in Ps. 112:4 in the statement, “Unto the upright there ariseth light.”

Rejoice. Ps. 32:11; 33:1. Give thanks. Ps. 30:4. Man’s highest joy should be in the knowledge that there is a God, and that He is the Father of His earthly children.