Psalm 97:1-12
Q.1. How has the Lord revealed Himself to His people? What did the Psalmist remind us of, about God’s reign? – (Ps.97:1-6)
Everything in this song is based on the Psalmist’s conviction that – 1 The Lord reigns … 2 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne (Ps.97:1-2). Whatever may appear to be, the earth can rejoice and the islands be glad, because the Lord is in ultimate control. He dwells in unapproachable darkness. Yet to Israel, God appeared at Sinai with a display of fire, with thunder and lightning (Ps.97:2-5 c.f. Exo.19:16-19 c.f. Heb.12-18-21). Israel’s history underscored God’s redeeming grace and displayed His righteous rule through His law – The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples have seen His glory (Ps.97:6). Even the surrounding nations would exclaim – What great nation is there that has a God so near to it as is the Lord God whenever we call on Him (Deut.4:7).
Q.2. How has God exposed the impotence of idols? What can we expect God to do for His own? – (Ps.97:7-12)
God has demonstrated that He is supreme and is exalted far above all man-made gods. Therefore – Let all those be ashamed who serve graven images, who boast themselves of idols (Ps.97:7). What had made Zion glad, was His judgments carried out against Israel’s enemies (Ps.97:8). Because of this – You are the Lord Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods (Ps.97:9). He called on people everywhere to – Hate evil, you who love the Lord, Who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked (Ps.97:10). He promised the godly that – Light is sown like seed for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart (Ps.97:11). He finished his song as it began – Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks to His holy name (Ps.97:12).