Psalms 97:1-12
1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitudea of isles be glad thereof.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitationb of his throne.
3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
9 For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
XCVII. Yahweh in the Storm. The appearance of Yahweh is described in terms of primitive religion, when He was the God of fire and tempest, earthquake and volcano. These traits are retained, but united with that later and far more perfect religion, which recognised Him as the only God (Psalms 97:5; Psalms 97:7) and as a God of absolute righteousness.
Psalms 97:1. isles: really means coastlands.
Psalms 97:7. See on Psalms 29:1 where sons of God = gods here.
Psalms 97:10. Read, Yahweh loveth them that hate evil.
Psalms 97:11. Read, Light is risen for the righteous (LXX).