Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Psalm 97 Devotional

Justice at the Foundation

“Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.”Psalm 97:2 (BSB)

Psalm 97 announces that the LORD reigns and calls even the distant coastlands to rejoice (97:1). Then it describes his appearing in terrifying images. Clouds and thick darkness surround him, fire goes before him, lightning lights up the world, and mountains melt like wax in his presence (97:2-5). Yet at the center of that storm is something steady: righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne (97:2).

That is why his reign is good news. Idol worshipers are put to shame, while Zion rejoices because of his judgments (97:7-8). He is exalted far above every so-called god (97:9). Hebrews speaks of all God's angels worshiping the Son when he enters the world (Hebrews 1:6). The psalm ends with a call to those who love the LORD to hate evil, because he guards the lives of his faithful ones and rescues them (97:10). Light and gladness belong to the upright (97:11). A throne built on justice does not threaten those who belong to him. It is the reason they can rejoice.

To think about: How does knowing that God's throne rests on justice change the way you face the wrongs you see around you?

About Psalm 97: The King Whose Throne Is Justice

The LORD's reign is pictured in cloud, fire, lightning, and melting mountains, with righteousness and justice as the base of His throne. Idol worshipers are shamed while Zion rejoices at His judgments, and those who love Him are called to hate evil, trusting His protection, light, and joy.

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