Daily Devotions
Psalms
Psalm 97:1a "The LORD reigns..."
Day 61 – Psalm 97
“The LORD reigns…” Psalm 97:1a
THE MAJESTY OF GOD
The majesty of God is just as hard to describe effectively as His glory. The psalmist is not perturbed by the difficulties. He is challenged in his heart to attempt a description of the majesty of the Lord as King.
“The LORD reigns;
Let the earth rejoice;
Let the multitude of isles be glad!”
Psalm 97:1
1. “The LORD reigns”
a) The word “LORD” was used meaningfully.
i) This name of God must be traced back to its historic origin (as revealed to Moses).
ii) This was God’s Memorial Name.
iii) He is the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 3:14-16).
b) An additional meaning is attached to the word “LORD”.
i) He is spoken of as One who reigns.
ii) His Kingship is recognized.
iii) With Kingship majesty is most naturally associated.
2. Rejoicing in God as King
a) The earth should rejoice.
b) The multitudes of isles should also be glad.
i) Isles would be a reference to smaller lands.
ii) These were not well-developed in the days of the psalmists.
iii) Multitudes of them existed.
iv) Few were ever given any great attention.
v) These isles may not have kings ruling over them because they are small.
vi) But God reigns over the multitude of isles.
He takes notice of them. He reigns over them as He does the rest of the earth.