Psalm 97 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered

A response and reply to the notes on Psalm 97 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).

King James Version

SAB comment

My comment


1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.

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

"Clouds and darkness are round about him." But how can this be if 1 Tim.6:15-16 is correct in saying that he dwells in light?
Does God dwell in darkness or in light?
(97:3) "A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about."
This verse does not say that God dwells in darkness as it is not about God's dwelling place. The allusion is to God's clothing, they surround him as a garment. Given the next verses it seems to me that the psalmist describes God in battle clothing. The dark thunder clouds are God's garment when he comes to judgment. God comes to judgment because “righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.” The enemies of righteousness and those that love evil will not triumph. The purpose of his judgments are to enlighten the world, verse 4.
On God's dwelling place, see 1 Tim. 6:16.

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.

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

It is not the intention of the psalmist to say there are gods, but that they are not gods. They are idols, they are not. Those graven images should prostrate themselves before the true God as Dagon did in 1 Sam. 5:4.

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

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.

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