Psalm 97 is another royal psalm. “Royal” means “as a king”. In Psalm 97 It tells us what will happen when everybody sees that God is king. That is why some Bible students say that this is a psalm about the end of the world. Psalm 97: This enthronement psalm reveals the Lord’s kingship (verses 1-6), and enunciates its effect on both the wicked (verse 7), and righteous (verses 8-12). Verses 1-12: The psalmist, though recognizing the Lord’s universal rule at the present (verse 9), anticipates a new coming of the Lord to judge the earth. Difference between Psalm 96 and Psalm 97? Bible students think that whoever wrote Psalm 96 also wrote Psalm 97. But Psalm 96 remembers what God has done. Psalm 97 looks to the future. It says (or prophesies) what God will do. Psalm 96 remembers that God brought his people home from a foreign country. He did this because he was a powerful king. Psalm 96:2 says “God has made us safe”.
Psalm Chapter 97:1-12
The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. The hills melted 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 people see his glory. Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods. Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD. For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods. Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserves the souls of his saints; he delivered them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
{Prayer}
Father God, Your presence in our hearts are breath taking. I thank You and praise You that You are coming to us, to make a even-handed judgement in Your world. I thank You and praise You that all of humanity and all Your creatures will have new balance to reign with You. Only You can change the structure of Your people and this world. I thank You and praise You that we are all of Your image and plan. Only need to rest in Your peace, joy, goodness and Your love as we stand in awe of Your love for all of us, in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserved the souls of his saints; he delivered them out of the hand of the wicked. Psalm 97:10
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