Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to:
Psalms
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 97
Overview:
The
Lord Jesus reigns in power that cannot be resisted.
(1-7)
His care of his people, and his provision for them.
(8-12)
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.
8-12 The
Faithful servants of
God may
Well rejoice and be glad,
because he is glorified; and whatever tends to his honour, is
his people's pleasure. Care is taken for their safety. But
something more is meant than their lives. The
Lord will preserve
the souls of his saints from
Sin, from apostasy, and despair,
under their greatest trials. He will deliver them out of the
hands of the wicked one, and preserve them safe to his heavenly
kingdom. And those that rejoice in
Christ Jesus, and in his
exaltation, have fountains of joy prepared for them. Those that
sow in tears, shall reap in joy. Gladness is sure to the upright
in
Heart; the joy of the
Hypocrite is but for a moment. Sinners
tremble, but saints rejoice at
God's
Holiness. As he hates
Sin,
yet freely loves the person of the repentant sinner who believes
in
Christ, he will make a final separation between the person he
loves and the
Sin he hates, and sanctify his people wholly,
body, soul, and
Spirit.