97:1 Isles - The Gentile nations, as this word, used Isa 42:4, is expounded, Matt 12:21.

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

97:2 Darkness - A dark cloud doth encompass him.

3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.

4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.

5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

97:6 Heavens - The angels, yea God himself from heaven.

7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.

97:7 Confounded - Let them be ashamed of their folly. Gods - All you whom the Gentiles have made the objects of their worship.

8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.

97:8 Zion - Thy people dwelling in Zion or Jerusalem, to whom Christ came. Heard - The fame of thy judgments, and the setting up the kingdom of the Messiah.

9 For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

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

11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

97:11 Light - Joy and happiness. Sown - Is laid up for them.

12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.