Psalm 97:1
97:1 The {a} LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the {b}
     multitude of isles be glad [thereof].

     (a) He shows that where God reigns, there is all happiness
         and spiritual joy.
     (b) For the gospel will not only be preached in Judea, but
         through all isles and countries.

Psalm 97:2
97:2 {c} Clouds and darkness [are] round about him:
     righteousness and judgment [are] the habitation of his
     throne.

     (c) He is thus described to keep his enemies in fear, who
         commonly contemn God's power.

Psalm 97:4
97:4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and
     {d} trembled.

     (d) This fear does not bring the wicked to true obedience,
         but makes them run away from God.

Psalm 97:7
97:7 {e} Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that
     boast themselves of idols: worship him, {f} all [ye] gods.

     (e) He signifies that God's judgments are ready to destroy
         the idolatry.
     (f) Let all who are esteemed in the world fall down before
         him.

Psalm 97:8
97:8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the {g} daughters of Judah
     rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.

     (g) The Jews will have opportunity to rejoice that the
         Gentiles are made partakers with them of God's favour.

Psalm 97:10
97:10 Ye that {h} love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the
      souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of
      the wicked.

      (h) He requires two things from his children: the one that
          they detest vice, the other, that they put their trust
          in God for their deliverance.

Psalm 97:11
97:11 {i} Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the
      upright in heart.

      (i) Though God's deliverance does not appear suddenly, yet
          it is sown and laid up in store for them.

Psalm 97:12
97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the
      {k} remembrance of his holiness.

      (k) Be mindful of his benefits and only trust in his
          defence.