97:1 Yahweh is king Emphasizes God’s theocratic rule over the earth. See 93:1 and note.

97:2 Cloud and thick darkness Describes a tumultuous cloak of ominous clouds and darkness like what accompanied the appearance of Yahweh at Sinai (see Exod 19:16–19).

Theophany in the Old Testament

Old Testament Theophanies Table

righteousness Yahweh’s rule is based on what is right.

are the foundation of Yahweh’s reign is established on the basis of His right actions and ability to bring about justice.

97:3 his enemies Can refer to a personal enemy, or a political or military enemy. In Psa 97, Yahweh’s enemies seem to be both people (vv. 6, 10) and foreign gods (vv. 7, 9).

97:4 the earth sees and trembles The created world is terrified of Yahweh because of His ultimate power (compare 96:11–13; 98:7–9).

97:5 The mountains melt like wax People in the ancient Near East believed mountains were the places where deities, who came from the heavens, came to earth and communed with people. The psalmist is taunting foreign gods with this description—showing that the earthly dwellings of other deities cannot compare to Yahweh’s strength (v. 9). See 90:2 and note.

97:6 The heavens The psalmist describes the heavens as a continual proclamation of God’s character and power. See v. 9 and note.

the peoples Refers to groups of people other than the Israelites.

his glory The Hebrew word used here, kavod—which can be rendered as “splendor” or “honor”—literally refers to the heaviness of Yahweh’s reputation. That it is greater in weight than anything else. Yahweh’s glory is paralleled by His righteousness and justice (v. 6). See 96:6 and note. See note on Exod 16:10.

97:7 all who serve an image Those who are idolatrous should feel shame since they worship that which is false.

idols See note on Ps 96:5.

gods The Hebrew word used here, elohim—which is plural in form and is sometimes used to refer to the God of Israel—refers to foreign deities in this instance. It is not just the people but also the deities of foreign nations who are called upon to proclaim the truth—that Yahweh, the Creator and Judge of all—is superior to all and the true God. He is the only one worthy of worship. Compare Psa 82; note on 82:2.

97:8 Zion A name for Jerusalem in general or the temple mount in specific. See note on 20:2.

your judgments Focuses on God’s skill in administering legal decisions.

97:9 are most high See note on 91:1.

You are highly exalted above all gods Just as Yahweh is high over the earth, He is also above the foreign gods. People in the ancient Near East believed the gods belonged to the realm of the heavens, but here Yahweh is depicted as even above the place where they dwelled (compare note on v. 5). See note on v. 7.

97:11 Light is sown Indicates the honor that God gives to those who are loyal to him.

the upright in heart The word yashar (“right” or “upright”) describes moral integrity. See note on 9:8.