Psalms 97 and 98 — The LORD Reigns
Introduction: These two very brief Psalms are rich with praise and adoration to the LORD of lords, and King of kings who is over all the earth. The eternal Word of God has blessing for believers of all ages through the passages recorded in these Psalms, because of the enduring truth in the expressive language that was used. In the record of Scripture which spans many centuries during and after the Psalms were written, there are other related passages which provide additional heartfelt joy and praise, while contemplating the primary verses of this study.
NOTE: Scripture passages are from the New Heart English Bible.
A — Let the Earth Rejoice That the Lord Reigns with Righteousness and Justice
Psalm 97 “1 The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad! 2 Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 A fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries on every side. 4 His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare his righteousness. All the peoples have seen his glory. 7 Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images, who boast in their idols. Worship him, all you gods!”
Comments: Rejoicing about the glory of the LORD should be evident throughout all creation in recognition of the truth that he reigns in majesty as the eternal Sovereign. Righteousness and justice are the immovable foundation of His throne. Though clouds of darkness are a covering for Him, the destruction of His enemies will come in manner like an all consuming fire. It is by the design of God that lightening produces dazzling flashes of light all around the world, and this can be a reminder that the presence of the LORD could make the very high mountains to melt down. The vast heavens are a declaration of the righteousness of the Creator God, and these things have been present to be seen by people all over the world throughout the history of mankind. Therefore, let shame come to everyone who boastfully serves any form of god other than the true LORD of all the earth!
B — The Lord Preserves the Souls of Those Who Love Him
Psalm 97 “8 Zion heard and was glad. The daughters of Judah rejoiced, because of your judgments, LORD. 9 For you, LORD, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods. 10 You who love the LORD, hate evil. He preserves the souls of his holy ones. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12 Be glad in the LORD, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.”
Comments: King David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and had it placed in the tent he had prepared in Zion, the city of David. What a celebration Israel could enjoy when the Ark of God was brought to Zion, because the LORD had established King David with victories. The LORD most high had saved his people out of the hands of the wicked, and they could rejoice because the LORD is exalted far above all gods. Their praise overflowed as they encouraged all who love the LORD to remember to hate evil because the LORD preserves the souls of His holy ones. Give thanks to His holy name and be glad in the LORD for it is He who has sown the light for those made righteous and upright in heart by the grace of the LORD! Psalm 146:10 “The LORD will reign forever; your God, oh Zion, to all generations. Praise YAH!”
C — Sing a New Song to the Lord for He Comes to Judge the Earth
Psalm 98 “1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand, and his holy arm, have worked salvation for him. 2 The LORD has made known his salvation. He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises! 5 Sing praises to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the voice of melody. 6 With trumpets and sound of the ram’s horn, make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. 7 Let the sea roar with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the mountains sing for joy together. 9 Let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.”
Comments: The LORD chose Jacob and gave him the name Israel: and down through the ages he remembered his loving kindness and His faithfulness toward the generations of Israel. Because David had a heart for the LORD, he was chosen as the second king of Israel, and Jerusalem became the location for worship of the true and living God. The Psalms are often noted for specific prophetic passages, but they also can have elements of enduring truth that is applicable from the time of writing to the present age. Those who have been given eternal salvation can sing a new song to celebrate the grace and mercy of the LORD who has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness. Truly, all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. The Lord Jesus needed to leave as part of the plan of God and his righteous judgment reserved for the last day. We are to live by the light we have been given, and passages such as these Psalms give us inspired writing that we can use in confidence to bring praise to our Lord and Savior.
Reflections in Prayer
LORD, I pray that I will remember always to join all of your creation to rejoice that you reign in righteousness and justice as I confidently wait for the time when you will remove all the vain worship of idols forever. Those who have received your grace gift of eternal life in righteousness will have no more distractions of the former life to withhold the boundless joyful praise to the King of kings and LORD of lords! The light of life that you have sown in the hearts of those who love you will be forever shining before your most holy throne because you will have removed all the darkness of sin and all former evil adversaries of your living Word. Thank you, LORD, that I can sing a new song of praise for your gracious gift of new life in Christ that has provided atonement for all my sin. Amen and amen!
Published 23 May 2019