Psalm 97:1-2 Devotional
“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” [1]
Today, I want to give a brief commentary on the above two verses. This commentary is not meant to be an in-depth treatment of these verses but only some thoughts that I have received and pondered upon as I meditated upon this passage. I pray that you are blessed as continue to read.
“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!”
The very first thing that I want you to see is that the Lord reigns. That is to say, He is in absolute control. He sits upon His throne and rules over all creation. Some people may struggle to believe this because of all the evil that is seen in this world (we will get to that a little bit later), nevertheless, the Bible assures us that God is in absolute control.
The next thing I want you to notice is that under God’s rule, the earth rejoices. In other words, God’s reign is meant to bring true joy and peace. You see, God’s rule is not designed to restrict our joy, but to fulfil it. Jesus said that he came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). When God tells us in His word not to do something, He is not saying that to make us miserable, but to keep us safe. Just like a parent may tell their children not to touch a hot stove or eat too much candy before dinner because they want what is best for their child, so God does with us. We can rejoice and be glad in the fact that God’s rules are meant for our good and ultimate happiness and peace.
“Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.”
What does it mean when it says that “clouds and thick darkness are all around him?”
Both clouds and darkness obscure the ability to see. On this side of eternity, there are things that we, as finite mortal beings, cannot understand about God. They are like clouds and thick darkness that prevent us from seeing. For example, if God is in control and He is good, why does He allow evil in the world? There are sound theological answers that are given in God’s Word that answer that question and others like it. However, it still does not fully satisfy us in our desire for an answer. I am so thankful for the second part of this verse which states that righteousness and justice are foundational to God’s throne. In other words, God always does what is right and just, even if we don’t understand it. I believe with all my heart that when we get to heaven and see Jesus face to face, not a single one of us will be able to point out to Him anything He did wrong. Why? Because He is perfect and does not make mistakes. Everything He does is right and just. Just because we don’t understand it does not mean that it is any less true. We can trust God, even if we don’t fully comprehend everything, because He is right and just. The Apostle Paul says it well when he wrote,
33Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. [2]
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 97:1–2.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ro 11:33–36.
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