Psalm 97 Study Notes
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97:7 The Hebrew word for “worthless gods” always refers to the impotence of carved images and pagan idols . . . All the gods must worship him could be translated “all the gods humble themselves before him,” conveying the irony of the psalm.
97:8-9 While idol worshipers are ashamed and pagan deities are subjugated before God (v. 7), the Lord is the Most High, raised to a superior rank and appropriating the authority of these impotent gods.
97:10 Those who love God should share his hatred of evil (15:4; 139:21; Pr 8:13; Am 5:15; Zch 8:17; Rm 12:9).
97:11-12 The psalmist equated light with joy and righteousness, a connection developed further in Isaiah (Is 10:17; 42:6; 49:6; 58:10; 60:1-3,19-20), who described the Lord’s return to Jerusalem. Zion as the Lord’s dwelling place shines forth, the Lord’s glory is described as light, and the restored nation of Israel reflects the light of God’s presence. All nations will be drawn from the darkness to the light of Jerusalem (Is 60:2-3).