A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
This psalm speaks not of the kingdom under Moses and the prophets, but of Christ's kingdom erected by the Gospel. The Psalmist commends it by its greatness and glory, which rightly compels our reverent fear, yet shows it established for the salvation of sinners, which makes it amiable and full of mercy.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 97:1-12
A fire goeth before him. Like an advance guard clearing the way. So was it at Sinai, so must it be: the very Being of God is power, consuming all opposition; omnipotence is a devouring flame which burneth up his enemies round about. God is longsuffering, but when he comes forth to judgment he will make short work with the unrighteous, they will be as chaff before the flame.
The Lord reigns: He who made the world governs it, gives law and motion, ordains all events and judgments. Christ holds both the providential and mediatorial kingdoms, so that His reign is cause for joy to all the earth and every distant shore, if they do not wilfully refuse it.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 97:1-7