You Are Exalted – Psalm 97

When Jesus comes again he will defeat the antichrist in battle before Jerusalem and establish his throne from that holy city.  He will judge the nations, separating the “sheep” (believers) from the “goats” (unbelievers).  He will reign in Jerusalem over the whole earth for 1,000 years (Revelation 20).

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.  Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.  His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles.  The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.  All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!

Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD.  For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

O you who love the LORD, hate evil!  He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.  Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.  Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!  (Psalm 97 ESV)

This psalm speaks as if Yahweh’s reign on earth is already complete.  He reigns and judges the earth, putting to shame idolaters and exalting Himself above all so-called gods.  He is reigning and there is yet work to do to bring all things into conformity to His rule.  And so we who love Him must hate evil.  And as we do we will experience His deliverance from the wicked.  We are commanded to rejoice and give thanks.