"For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. 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. Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."

Psalm 97:9-12

This glorious psalm celebrates the universal reach of the reign of Israel’s God and the mysterious nature of his being. Although the psalmist affirms the special relationship which Israel knows with God, since ‘he guards the lives of his faithful ones’ (v. 10), the knowledge that is available to ‘all peoples’ (v. 6) enables them to recognize the divine glory and even to realize the futility of the worship of idols (v. 7).

The psalm reflects the Hebrew understanding of God, which ‘reverently maintains the mystery of his nature and impressively indicates the threateningly serious character of his appearing’. True worship of God results in humble praise and a real hatred of what is evil, since ‘righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne’ (v. 2).

The early part of the psalm describes what is known as a ‘theophany’, an awe-inspiring revelation of divine power and majesty, which displays the greatness of the Creator to ‘all peoples.’ At the same time, the fact that God’s nature has been displayed to the whole world creates a longing for a future coming of God. The language of the divine advent anticipates ‘the similar tones and word- pictures with which the Christmas gospels in Luke and John report the fulfillment of that promise.’

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, I ask for wisdom; show me how I can relate in a personal way to injustice that I see. Show me ways to express the righteousness you offer.

(Edited from Encounter with God)