October 10, 2018 (Wednesday)
(From the Cambridge Bible Commentary): “The Psalm consists, like Psalms 96, of four equal stanzas. The first two describe the coming of the LORD to judgment, in symbolic language borrowed from descriptions of the great historical visions of God; the last two describe its consequences for Israel and for the nations.
“The author of this Psalm was not an original poet, but he was a masterly hymn-writer. There is scarcely a phrase in the Psalm which is not borrowed; but he combines the language of earlier Psalmists and Prophets into a “costly mosaic” with a skill which is worthy of the occasion. He makes us feel that he has been deeply moved, and inspired to recognize the greatness of the crisis.
“In the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) the Psalm is entitled “(A Psalm) of David, when his land was restored.” The latter part of this title rightly points to the Restoration from Babylon as the occasion of the Psalm.”
New International Version (NIV)
I. The LORD’s Kingdom is Powerful and Righteous (1-3)
1 The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.
II. See the LORD’s Power (4-6)
4 His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all peoples see his glory.
III. The LORD is Greater than the False Gods.
7 All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols–
worship him, all you gods!
8 Zion hears and rejoices
and the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments, Lord.
9 For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
IV. Rejoice in the LORD and Praise Him
10 Let those who love the Lord hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light shines on the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.