Biblical Commentary:What does Psalm chapter 97 mean?
Chapter Context
Psalms 24, 27, 93, and 95—99 are "enthronement" psalms. These express joy at God ruling over the entire world. Many look forward to when this rule is direct and personal (Revelation 20:4). This psalm speaks from an end-times perspective when the Lord has returned to bring judgment and justice. It does so more than the others in this group.
What does Psalm chapter 97 mean?
This portion of Scripture includes several "enthronement" psalms. These are songs reveling in the Lord's rule over the world. Most are general (Psalm 15; 24; 27; 93; 95; 96; 98; 99). This psalm is more direct; the psalmist describes the scene as if seeing it in person, or in a vision.
The psalmist uses the same dramatic images seen in other Old Testament passages. God and His judgment are associated with obscuring darkness (Exodus 20:21), clouds (Exodus 40:34), fire (Leviticus 9:24), lightning (Exodus 20:18), and earthquakes (Ezekiel 38:19). God's power is unstoppable and obvious as He reigns over His creation (Psalm 97:1–5).
When the Lord rules over the entire world, everyone will understand His supremacy (Isaiah 45:22–23; Philippians 2:1–11). Those who rejected Him in favor of false gods will be ashamed. Though these other "gods" are worthless, the psalmist taunts them by calling on the idols themselves to acknowledge the One True God (Psalm 97:6–7).
When God rules, His people will celebrate. Zion is a reference to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:7), and Judah is sometimes used as a reference to that general area (Psalm 78:68). To hate evil is to love goodness, which is defined by God's holy nature (Proverbs 8:13). Seeing the Lord worshipped and praised worldwide will give His people joy and inspire them to even more praise (Psalm 97:8–12).
