“THE PSALMIST’S DECLARATION OF THE LORD’S REIGN” PSALM 97:1-12

What a magnificent Messianic psalm we have before us.  This psalm is looking in anticipation to the Lord’s reign here on earth during the Millennium (one-thousand year reign of Christ).  There are many references given in God’s Word that describe the reign of Christ in the Millennium, but I have selected these two references that read:  “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and His name one” (Zechariah 14:9); “And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:15-16).

In this instructional psalm, the psalmist summons the earth to rejoice because Christ will establish His Kingdom reign.  He begins his praise by stating, “The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof” (v. 1).  In verses 2-5, the psalmist describes the Lord’s coming in great judgment and He will rule the earth in righteousness.  The Lord is coming; what a great theme to herald to a world not looking for Him.  The prophets of old announced the imminent coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Are we announcing to people that Christ is coming back again?

The Lord is truly coming, for the heavens will declare His righteousness and glory (v. 6).  Even idol worshippers will recognize their wrongness as stated in verse 7: “Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship Him, all ye gods.”   The people of God will rejoice in the Lord’s righteous reign, for verses 8-9 read: “Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.   For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.”

In verse 10, the righteous are assured of being delivered from the wicked.  This glorious psalm closes with the psalmist exhorting the righteous to praise the Lord, for verses 11-12 state: “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.”

May God Bless!