This, and the previous psalm, with the two following, are similar in contents in many ways, and are believed to have been written by David. They concertedly speak of Christ’s coming and His glory, and the praise that should be given by His people. Also, there is a repeated emphasis upon the fact that the Lord reigneth. Added to that is the repeated exhortation to sing a new song.
Many Christians take this exhortation as a validation of hymnology, but that is to abuse its meaning. The new song concerns the coming of the Messiah, and also His second advent. The words of this song are already written. A confirmation of the psalm’s Messianic content is found in v. 7, and is attested to by Hebrews 1:6.
Although the Lord dwells in light unapproachable, yet clouds and darkness are round about Him. That means He is obscured from the natural eye, but also that He is unsearchable and a profound mystery to the spiritual gaze. Yet the believer sees sufficient to assure him that He reigns over all, and righteousness and judgment are the twin pillars of His throne.
Psalm 97 1 God reigneth, let the earth be glad, | Recommended Tunes |