We have here nothing but echoes of the older literature: Psalm 97:1, cf. Isaiah 42:10-12; Isaiah 51:5; Psalm 97:2, cf. Psalm 18:10, Psalm 18:12; Psalm 97:2 equals Psalm 89:15; Psalm 97:3, cf. Psalm 50:3; Psalm 18:9; Psalm 97:3, cf. Isaiah 42:25. Beginning with the visible coming of the kingdom of God in the present, with מלך ה the poet takes his stand upon the standpoint of the kingdom which is come. With it also comes rich material for universal joy. תּגל is indicative, as in Psalm 96:11 and frequently. רבּים are all, for all of them are in fact many (cf. Isaiah 52:15). The description of the theophany, for which the way is preparing in Psalm 97:2, also reminds one of Habakkuk 3. God's enshrouding Himself in darkness bears witness to His judicial earnestness. Because He comes as Judge, the basis of His royal throne and of His judgment-seat is also called to mind. His harbinger is fire, which consumes His adversaries on every side, as that which broke forth out of the pillar of cloud once consumed the Egyptians.

Psalm 97:9 Parallel Commentaries

high

Psalm 83:18 That men may know that you, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, are the most high over all the earth.

Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world...

Philippians 2:9-11 Why God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name...

far

Psalm 95:3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

Psalm 96:4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

Psalm 115:3-8 But our God is in the heavens: he has done whatever he has pleased...

Psalm 135:5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

Exodus 18:11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

Jeremiah 10:8,10 But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities...