Bible Commentaries
Psalms 97

Verses 1-12

This is another ’theocratic’ Ps., declaring how God has taken vengeance on His enemies in a way to which all nature responded (Psalms 97:2-6), denouncing idols and their worshippers (Psalms 97:7), expressing the joy of the cities of Israel at His judgments (Psalms 97:8-9), calling His people to hate evil (Psalms 97:10) and to share the gladness which ought to be their portion (Psalms 97:11-12). The Ps. is a ’mosaic’ of phrases from other Scriptures, and, like the preceding Pss., is probably to be referred to the end of the exile.

1. Isles] the coastlands beyond Palestine, anexpression for the Gentile world.

2. Whatever may be mysterious about God’s rule, it is certainly founded on righteousness: see Psalms 89:14.

3. See Psalms 18:8.

4. See Psalms 77:16-18.

5. See Judges 5:5.

8. Zion] Jerusalem. Daughters of Judah] the other cities of the land: see Psalms 48:11.

9. See Psalms 83:18.

11. Light is sown] A more probable reading is, ’light hath arisen.’

12. At.. holiness] RV ’to his holy name,’ this being the true meaning of ’remembrance’ or ’memorial’: see Psalms 32:11; Psalms 30:4