Monday, August 19 – Psalms 97, 98
1. What event does Psalm 97 prophetically sing about? Psalms 97:1-6
2. How does the psalmist describe the Lord’s judgment on earth? Psalms 98:7-9
Commentary and Reflection:
Regarding Psalm 97, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states:
“Psalm 97 celebrates the enthronement of Jehovah as righteous Ruler over the whole earth, and shows that the idols are but nothing and that the righteous are vindicated. Next to the theophany (or manifestation of God’s glory) of Hab. 3, Ps. 97 presents one of the most splendid pictures of divine glory to be found in the OT (see Ex. 19; Ps. 18). ‘The Lord reigneth’ is the theme of this liturgical psalm.” (SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 97)
This psalm is a hymn sung in worship. It is prophetic poetry that beautifully describes the final judgment, a recurring theme in the Psalms and the Scriptures. As we walk the sometimes difficult and hazardous path of life, we do well to sing and remember that the Lord will intervene in a majestic, glorious, and definitive way.
This passage describes the second coming of Jesus:
“Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. A fire goes before Him and burns up His enemies round about. His lightnings light the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.” Psalms 97:2-6 (NKJV)
Notice the contrast between God’s people and those who are not:
“Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods.” Psalms 97:7 (NKJV)
Now, concerning God’s people:
“Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of Your judgments, O Lord. For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.” Psalms 97:8-9 (NKJV)
A beautiful verse by William Cullen Bryant states:
“Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again;
The eternal years of God are hers;
But Error, wounded, writhes in pain,
And dies among his worshippers.”
This promise should sustain us in times of challenging trials:
“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” Psalms 97:11 (NKJV)
It may not seem so now, but it will be true for eternity. This will come to pass when the Lord establishes His Kingdom on earth. While we wait, we can sing, “The Lord reigns!”
Regarding Psalm 98, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary notes:
“Psalm 98 is a superb call to all peoples and to all the forces of nature to praise God, the Sovereign-Judge of the universe (see Introduction to Ps. 93, 95). The psalm has been called an echo of Ps. 96, although it exhibits a more definite pattern of form than that psalm. Three stanzas of similar length, each presenting a unified idea, are clearly discernible: reason for praise (vs. 1-3), manner of praising (vs. 4-6), invitation to praise (vs. 7-9). The psalm has great freshness and spontaneity of spirit.” (SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 98)
Psalm 98 is prophetic. It is a praise to be sung when the Lord has established His Kingdom. When sin and all its nightmares are over, and all things are made new, “the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.” Not due to amnesia but because of happiness. Now, facing eternity without sin or death, all creation joins in this glorious praise to the Creator and Redeemer.
We can anticipate that happy moment by repeating this Psalm and raising our voices to God in praise. Let praise to the Lord be on your lips today.