| Geneva Study Bible The {a} LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the {b} multitude of isles be glad thereof. (a) He shows that where God reigns, there is all happiness and spiritual joy. (b) For the gospel will not only be preached in Judea, but through all isles and countries. Wesley's Notes 97:1 Isles - The Gentile nations, as this word, used Isa 42:4, is expounded, Matt 12:21. King James Translators' Notes multitude...: Heb. many, or, great isles Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary PSALM 97 Ps 97:1-12. The writer celebrates the Lord's dominion over nations and nature, describes its effect on foes and friends, and exhorts and encourages the latter. 1, 2. This dominion is a cause of joy, because, even though our minds are oppressed with terror before the throne of the King of kings (Ex 19:16; De 5:22), we know it is based on righteous principles and judgments which are according to truth. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 97:1-7 Though many have been made happy in Christ, still there is room. And all have reason to rejoice in Christ's government. There is a depth in his counsels, which we must not pretend to fathom; but still righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. Christ's government, though it might be matter of joy to all, will yet be matter of terror to some; but it is their own fault that it is so. The most resolute and daring opposition will be baffled at the presence of the Lord. And the Lord Jesus will ere long come, and put an end to idol worship of every kind. | 
