Psalm 97
The Messiah assumes power

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Text
Explanation
 1 ¶ The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
 2  Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
 3  A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
.4  His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
  1 - The Lord reigneth Giving us an anchor point for understanding the psalm. Although God reigns in heaven ps09301f, this psalm may refer more specifically to Christ's assumption of power when He comes in glory re1114ff.
  2 - Clouds and darkness Although God is revealed in Christ, there are still mysteries beyond our scope of knowing ro1133. The divine presence is described in great light, too 1ti0616. The darkness may hide the light and protect us from being consumed. See ex1419f.
  3 - Fire This recalls the preadvent judgment scene da0710.
  5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
 6  The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
 7  Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
  5 - Hills melted See jg0505, na0105, 2pe0310.
  6 - Heavens declare In two ways ps01901, re1407.
 8 ¶ Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
 9  For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
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 10  Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
 11  Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
 12  Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
  10 - Delivereth them ps09103ff.
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