Psalm 97:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

NIV: Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

NASB: Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

CSB: Clouds and total darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

NLT: Dark clouds surround him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

KJV: Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

NKJV: Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

Psalm 97:1–9 looks forward to the Lord's reign over all the earth (Revelation 20:4). His coming will be marked with clouds and darkness, lightning, and fire. When the Lord returns, He will bring judgment on those who oppose Him (Revelation 19:11–15). Those who chose worthless idols instead of the One True God will be ashamed. God's people should feel joy at knowing that the Lord is sovereign.

The psalmist writes as if seeing God's completed judgment and rule over the earth (Revelation 20:4). This is described in dramatic terms; God's holiness and wrath are expressed by darkness, lightning, and fire. Yet the world also experiences His goodness and perfect justice. Those who believed in false gods are ashamed, but God's people celebrate. Those who hate evil and love God's goodness (Proverbs 8:13) should express gratitude to the Lord.

Psalms 24, 27, 93, and 95—99 are "enthronement" psalms. These express joy at God ruling over the entire world. Many look forward to when this rule is direct and personal (Revelation 20:4). This psalm speaks from an end-times perspective when the Lord has returned to bring judgment and justice. It does so more than the others in this group.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/22/2024 11:25:15 AM