Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 97
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 97
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 97
"Jehovah reigneth; let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. A fire goeth before him, And burneth up his adversaries round about. His lightnings lightened the world: The earth saw, and trembled. The mountains melted like wax at the presence of Jehovah, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare his righteousness, And all the peoples have seen his glory. Let all them be put to shame that serve graven images, That boast themselves of idols: Worship him, all ye gods." — Psalms 97:1-7 (ASV)
Though many have been made happy in Christ, still there is room. All have reason to rejoice in Christ's 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.
Christ's government, though it might be matter of joy to all, will yet be matter of terror to some; but it is their own fault that it is so.
The most resolute and daring opposition will be baffled at the presence of the Lord. And the Lord Jesus will before long come, and put an end to idol worship of every kind.
"Zion heard and was glad, And the daughters of Judah rejoiced, Because of thy judgments, O Jehovah. For thou, Jehovah, art most high above all the earth: Thou art exalted far above all gods. O ye that love Jehovah, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of his saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in Jehovah, ye righteous; And give thanks to his holy memorial [name]. " — Psalms 97:8-12 (ASV)
The faithful servants of God may well rejoice and be glad, because he is glorified; and whatever tends to his honor, is his people's pleasure. Care is taken for their safety. But something more is meant than their lives.
The Lord will preserve the souls of his saints from sin, from apostasy, and despair, under their greatest trials. He will deliver them out of the hands of the wicked one, and preserve them safe to his heavenly kingdom. And those that rejoice in Christ Jesus, and in his exaltation, have fountains of joy prepared for them.
Those that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. Gladness is sure to the upright in heart; the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment. Sinners tremble, but saints rejoice at God's holiness. As he hates sin, yet freely loves the person of the repentant sinner who believes in Christ, he will make a final separation between the person he loves and the sin he hates, and sanctify his people wholly, body, soul, and spirit.
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