God Preserves the Souls of the Saints: Psalm 97

Introduction: Psalm 97, a song of praise to the Lord for his majesty and righteousness, provides a rich tapestry of theological truths. It illuminates the divine splendor of God, His righteous judgment, and His protective love for His people. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the sovereignty of God, His righteousness, and the joy of His people in His reign.

I. The Majesty of God (Psalm 97:1-5).
Psalm 97:1-5 unveils the majesty of God, asserting His dominion over the earth and His power over the natural world. The psalmist uses vivid imagery to depict God’s divine splendor and supremacy, creating a sense of awe and reverence. This passage cross-references with Psalm 96:10, 1 Chronicles 16:31, and Psalm 93:1, all of which pronounce the Lord’s reign over the earth and His establishment of the world.

II. The Righteousness of God (Psalm 97:6-9).
God’s righteousness is a central theme in Psalm 97:6-9. The heavens announce His righteousness, and all people see His glory. The idols of the nations are worthless, but the Lord is exalted above all. This idea is echoed in Isaiah 45:22-23, where God declares that He is God and there is no other, every knee will bow to Him, and every tongue will swear allegiance. It can also be seen in Psalms 89:15-16, where the psalmist talks about the joy of the people who know the festal shout, who walk in the light of God’s face, rejoicing in His name all day and exulting in His righteousness.

III. The Protection of God (Psalm 97:10-12).
Psalm 97:10-12 highlights God’s protective love for His people. He preserves the lives of His saints and rescues them from the wicked. This idea is seen again in 2 Samuel 22:3-4, where David calls God his rock, fortress, and deliverer. It is also echoed in Psalm 145:20, where the psalmist states that the Lord watches over all who love Him but destroys all the wicked, and in Psalm 34:15, where it is written that the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears toward their cry.

Conclusion: Psalm 97 presents an awe-inspiring picture of God’s divine splendor, His righteousness, and His protective love for His people. It encourages the reader to rejoice in God’s reign, to hate evil, and to trust in His protection. The cross-references selected from the Bible enrich our understanding of these themes by providing additional contexts and insights. Ultimately, Psalm 97 invites all believers to partake in the joy and worship of a God who is majestic, righteous, and protective. The divine splendor of God, as depicted in Psalm 97, is indeed a source of inspiration and reverence.