Psalm 97 was written by the Psalmist David, who taking a prophetic standpoint of observation looked forward in time to our day, the “day of the Lord”, the day of his (Greek: Parousia, presence), the Second Advent. It is important to remember that most of the prophetic utterances of the prophets of old were written not for their benefit, but rather “for our admonition upon whom the ends of the Ages have come” (1 Cor. 10:10)

“To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.” (1 Pet 1:12)

The prophets acknowledge their own ignorance of what they wrote, that it was not for themselves, but for the instruction of the Church, and especially for those residing at the time the two ends of the ages would over lapped, viz. the opening end of the Millennial age and the closing end of the Gospel age, i.e. during the harvest when the Lord of the harvest would be present.

Excerpts for this study come from various Bible Students resources most notably that of Brother Doran’s discourse of Psalm 97.

“The proclamation that “the Lord reigns” as foretold in this beautiful prophetic Psalm, is one that was to be made at the time of the Lord’s second presence. It is equaled in importance only by the announcement that was made by John the Baptist, who informed the people of his day of Christ’s first presence, that wonderful proclamation that was made in the words: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

It is the Lord’s people at this time (at the “ends of the ages”), the “feet of him” — that is, the feet or last members of the body of Christ — that are privileged to announce this glorious kingdom message to the people. Concerning our privileges in this connection, the Prophet Isaiah wrote: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” – Isa 52:7

VERSE 1 “The Lord reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!”

“The Lord reigns!” —just these three words begin the chapter yet in them are summed up THE message of the ages! It is the proclamation of the beginning of the age which will terminate in the perfection of all things! It is the answer to the age old prayer of saints: “Thy kingdom come.”

The early part of Messiah’s reign is described in vivid language in this Psalm however whereas Jehovah (the Almighty) is credited with reigning, it is accomplished in the Kingly presence of His great Representative, Christ Jesus.

It is only wise to ask who is meant by the word LORD. Is it Jehovah’s reining or Jesus’ reigning? It is both, and this is amply borne out by Scripture testimony. Jesus’ reign is at the forepart of Jehovah’s reign which extends into the ages of eternity. The first age of this eternity is expressly reserved for administration by Christ Jesus and His Church. Therefore the reign is of the Father, yet by the Son.

Two texts which demonstrate this are Rev 11:15 and Psa 2:2. In each the ruling power is stated to be “The Lord and His anointed (Christ);” i.e., God and The Christ (Head and body complete, the Church glorified). The context of Psalm 2 continues to bolster this conclusion. In verses 4 through 9, we are instructed that Jehovah has “anointed” (installed) His Son as judge and king.

“Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!”

The remainder of Verse 1 of Psalm 97 sums up what should be earth’s reaction to the news of the reign, if earth could only understand! The Psalmist tells us, however, that the earth won’t rejoice; it will tremble (Verse 4). Those who do understand (those begotten of God) do rejoice. Thus it is written in Verse 8 that “Zion heard, and was glad!

For a more detailed explanation of why the earth should rejoice, David wrote Psa 98:4- 9. But in Psa 97:1, he merely reminds us of the impending joy before he relates the misery which must first come upon the world (the impending great time of trouble soon to come). “The morning cometh (the blessed day), and also the night (a night of clouds and thick darkness)…” Isa 21:12

While the world (as well as the nominally professing church) will not yet hear, it is, nevertheless, our great privilege to tell them the good news of the Lord’s reign. There is now a new generation; indeed, it is half of our population! And they have never yet heard the truth! They are a generation of seekers and questioners; they are a generation which has rejected traditional theology; they are a generation ripe for the message of the Kingdom. It seems inconceivable that the Church will vanish from this earth silently. And now the Lord has provided a huge receptive audience for our final witness! Let us proclaim: “The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice!”

“The Psalmist wrote: “Let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad“; that is, because of the proclamation of the kingdom message. The Zion class (Spiritual Israel), particularly, is glad because of the assurance that “Thy God reigns!” To these it means that the Abrahamic Covenant will soon reach its complete fulfillment, that through the promised “seed” all the families of the earth will he blessed.

The fact that the time for the kingdom is here also means that restitution blessings will soon be flowing out to the world; that the highway of holiness will soon be opened; that the wilderness and the solitary places of the earth shall he made glad. Also that soon the earth shall yield her increase and the desert blossom as the rose. It means, furthermore, that the time is near when every man shall dwell under his own vine and fig tree, and when there will be no more sickness, and when the blind shall see, the lame walk, and the deaf hear.

We will continue with verse 2 in our next post.