Reason to Rejoice – Psalm 97

“The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of isles be glad!” Psalm 97:1

The earth and its many islands have reason to rejoice and be glad because Christ reigns. He is righteous, gracious, faithful, generous, and compassionate. He gave the skin off His back and the blood in His veins to redeem us from our sins. How many kings have done that for us? In Christ, the curse of humanity’s sin that negatively impacts the earth and the isles is lifted. He is the One who makes things new. Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords brings His followers into paradise.

“Clouds and darkness surround Him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” Psalm 97:2

The clouds and darkness speak of the Lord’s wrath forming against sin. He is righteous and just, and thus He hates what evil does to people. He is determined to eradicate it. [1]

The clouds and darkness also allude to the fact that no one can see the Lord except those to whom He chooses to reveal Himself. In 1 Corinthians 2:14, Paul wrote, “the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” In Matthew 16:16-17, after Peter professed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus said to Peter, “flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

“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. Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods.” Psalm 97:3-7

Psalm 97 contains a warning to the enemies of Christ. They shall be burned up. [2] In Matthew 13:30, Jesus likened wicked people to weeds (tares) in a field, explaining that at the end of the age, they will be gathered in bundles and completely burned up. In Mark 9:48, Jesus warned of hell, describing it as a place “where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.” In Matthew 25:41, Jesus spoke of the unrighteous being told to depart “into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels”

In Luke 19:12-27, Jesus told a parable in which people hate their Lord and don’t want Him to rule over them (v. 14). They think of Him as a miser and an unfair master (v. 21). These people are brought before Him and slain (v. 27). Jesus told this parable as an indictment against the religious leaders in Jerusalem. They rejected Him, and instigated His crucifixion on the cross. In John 11:48, the religious leaders said to one another, “If we let Him [Jesus] go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” But it was the rebellious and defiant nature of these priests that brought the Romans to Jerusalem to destroy it in A.D. 70. [3]

God’s wrath against sin is extremely hot! His lightning lights up the night sky. The earth shakes before Him. The mountains melt like wax in His holy presence. When real and only true God makes His glory known, all imposters are exposed as fakes. Those who honor idols will be ashamed. Thus, the Psalmist calls the gods (the idols of the pagans) to honor the true God. [4]

The spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and the decline of pagan worship are viewed as partial fulfillments of this prophecy. Thus, we who believe in Christ rejoice because He reigns. Christ’s authority extends over heaven and earth. [5]

Remember what happened to Jericho on the seventh day when the seven priests, blew their seven trumpets, after they had marched around the city seven times? The people of Israel shouted to the Lord, and the Lord brought down the walls Jericho (Joshua 6:12-20).

The day is coming when the seventh angel of Revelation 11:15 will blow His trumpet and it will be declared, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

“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. You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 97:8-10

The reign of Christ brings fear and judgment to those who oppose Him, but gladness, rejoicing, and thanksgiving to those who belong to Him. Jesus saves our souls. He delivers us from the plots of the evil one against us. In 2 Timothy 4:18, Paul testified, “[Christ] will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.” This promise is sure for everyone who believes in Jesus. [6]

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy Name.” Psalm 97:11-12

Like seed hidden beneath the soil, God’s blessings may seem delayed, but they are certain. Seasons of sorrow are not the end of the story for us in Christ. In John 16:20, Jesus promised us that our sorrow will be turned into joy. The harvest of gladness will come in due time. [7]

When circumstances are difficult, it is good to remember what 1 Corinthians 2:9 says: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

We do well to follow the example of Moses as recorded in Hebrews 11:24-27: “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.”

In Christ, we have reason to rejoice. In Revelation 3:14 and 19:11, Jesus is referred to as “Faithful and True.” In Revelation 21:5 and 22:6, His promises are referred to as “Faithful and True.” Christ does not let us down. He brings to pass what He has promised. Praise the Lord!


[1-7] Material edited and developed from Matthew Henry’s Commentary