ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Psalms 97

Psalm Ps. 97. This is a hymn celebrating God’s kingship over all creation. It focuses on how God’s universal rule assures the faithful of his final victory over evil and idolatry. This victory involves God’s protection of his faithful ones from evildoers (v. 10), the vindication of Zion as God’s chosen place (vv. 8–9), and the Gentiles ultimately coming to know the true God (vv. 6–7). Such assurance does not come from observing the course of events in the world, since God’s universal kingship is often invisible. The assurance comes from biblical faith, and it produces profound joy in those who embrace it (vv. 11–12). The reference to Zion hearing and being glad (v. 8) indicates that the psalm arose from some great deliverance of the city.

Ps. 97:1–5 In words that echo the appearance of God’s glory on Sinai (Ex. 19:16–18; see Deut. 4:11; 5:22), the psalm describes the magnificence of God’s presence (clouds and thick darkness; the earth sees and trembles). It looks forward to the Gentiles coming to know the magnificent Creator and Ruler of all. Because of this, let the earth (and its inhabitants) rejoice.

Ps. 97:1 many coastlands. The biblical authors commonly used the nations around the Mediterranean Sea as representatives of all nations everywhere (see Isa. 42:4).

Ps. 97:6–9 These verses concern the false worship found among the nations who are worshipers of images. There is a contrast between the false gods and the Lord, who is most high over all the earth and exalted far above all gods. The purpose here is not to gloat but to look forward to the time when all the peoples see his glory. The OT anticipates this era (see Num. 14:21) and connects it to the reign of the Davidic Messiah (see Isa. 11:1–10).

Ps. 97:10–12 This assurance about the story of the whole world enables the faithful (those who love the Lord) to live their own lives in faith (that is, to hate evil and to reject its attractions). If God’s righteous purpose will prevail in his world, this means that individual godly people (his saints) will know his care and protection in their own lives. God fills their lives with light and joy. When they realize this, they will rejoice in the Lord and give thanks to his holy name.

Ps. 97:11 Light is sown. God’s “light” (that is, guidance; see 118:27; 119:130) and joy are scattered along the path of the faithful like seed, ready to sprout.