Psalms 97:3

A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. A FIRE GOETH BEFORE HIM; AND BURNETH UP HIS ENEMIES ROUND ABOUT - (; .)...

1-7 Though many have been made happy in Christ, still there is room. And all have reason to rejoice in Christ's government. There is a depth in his counsels, which we must not pretend to fathom; but still righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. Christ's government, though it might be matter of joy to all, will yet be matter of terror to some; but it is their own fault that it is so. The most resolute and daring opposition will be baffled at the presence of the Lord. And the Lord Jesus will ere long come, and put an end to idol worship of every kind....

Verse Psalms 97:3. _A FIRE GOETH BEFORE HIM_] Literally, this and the following verse may refer to the electric fluid, or to manifestations of the Divine displeasure, in which, by means of _ethereal fire_, God consumed his enemies. But _fire_ is generally represented as an accompaniment of the appearances of the Supreme Being. He appeared on _Mount Sinai_ in the midst of _fire, thunder_, and _lightnings_, Exodus 19:16-2. Daniel, Daniel 7:9; Daniel 7:10, represents the Sovereign Judge as being on a throne which was a _fiery flame_, and the _wheels_ of his chariot like _burning fire_; and a _fiery_...

A FIRE GOETH BEFORE HIM - See Psalms 18:13, note; Psalms 50:3, note. AND BURNETH UP HIS ENEMIES ROUND ABOUT - Is especially directed against his foes. That is, he manifests himself as a just God, inflicting vengeance on his enemies. He comes to reign, and in his reign all his foes will be destroyed....

EXPOSITION ANOTHER liturgical psalm on the advent of Christ The psalmist sees him take possession of his throne, but, this time, rather in judgment than in mercy. His accession is described with the usual features of a theophany (Psalms 97:1; comp. Psalms 18:7; Psalms 50:3; Psalms 77:14). The impression made on the inhabitants of the earth, whether idolatrous heathen (Psalms 97:7), or faithful Israelites (Psalms 97:8,...

A FIRE GOETH BEFORE HIM, c,] Not the fiery law, which went forth from his right hand on Mount Sinai but rather his Gospel, which, as it enlightens, warms, comforts, and refreshes his people, searches, torments, and destroys his enemies, and is the savour of death unto death to them; see Jeremiah 23:29. Some apply this to the gifts of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, signified by cloven tongues of fire; but then no such effect followed as mentioned in the next clause: it seems best to interpret it of his wrath, which, like fire, was poured out to the uttermost on the Jews, for their disbelief and rejection of him; they would not have him to reign over them; they despised his Gospel, and slew his servants; wherefore he sent the Roman armies to them, who destroyed those murderers, and burnt their city,...

Psalms 97 His Glorious Reign _ 1. Jehovah reigneth (Psalms 97:1)_ 2. In righteousness and with glory (Psalms 97:6) He reigneth! Earth and the multitude of isles will now rejoice, for He whose right it is occupies the throne and all unrighteousness, wickedness and idolatry will be banished. Zion and the daughters of Judah rejoice and all the righteous rejoice. It is the time of singing and of joy. And the heavens will reveal His righteousness, while angels worship Him (Psalms 97:7 and Hebrews 1:6). What glory scenes will then take place upon

XCVII. YAHWEH IN THE STORM. The appearance of Yahweh is described in terms of primitive religion, when He was the God of fire and tempest, earthquake and volcano. These traits are retained, but united with that later and far more perfect religion, which recognised Him as the only God (Psalms 97:5; Psalms 97:7) and as a God of absolute righteousness. PSALMS 97:1. ISLES: really means coastlands. Psalms 97:7. See on Psalms 29:1 where sons of God = gods here....

BEFORE. See note on "presence" (Psalms 95:2). ENEMIES. adversaries....

Psalms 92-97 DESCRIPTIVE TITLE A Service of Song for a Sabbath Day. ANALYSIS Psalms 92: Personal SongProbably by a King. Psalms 93: Jehovah Proclaimed King. Psalms 94: Prayer for Vengeance on the Lawless. Psalms 95: InvitationO Come! Come in! Warning: Harden not your Hearts! Psalms 96: The Land called upon to Sing to Jehovah, and to Proclaim his Kingship to the Nations. Psalms 97: Third ProclamationDecisive Results, by way of Joy, Fear. Conviction, Shame, Homage, Th