Psalm 93. We have here the announcement that Jehovah reigns. His throne had been established of old, but the floods had lifted up their voices (strong enemies had been allowed to overcome them). But now the time had come when these voices could no longer prevail, because He was mightier than the noise of many waters. The testimonies, or the Word, of God are spoken of as sure; nothing could displace them, and they realize holiness becomes the house of God. It reminds us of what the Lord said in John 4:23, 24: “God is a spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
Psalm 94. The great distress of the remnant causes them to cry out in this psalm, “How long?” Jehovah is addressed as the God of vengeances. He is called on to shine forth, and the wicked not allowed to triumph. There is the confidence expressed that Jehovah knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity, and that He will not cast off His people. But He will cut off the wicked and bring upon them the results of their own iniquities.
Psalm 95. Here we have a summons to the nation to sing praises unto Jehovah, who is the Rock of their salvation. Jehovah is a great God, a great King. He is above all the gods of this world. He was the One who created all things. They are to bow down and worship Jehovah their Maker; they are the sheep of His pasture. They are not to do as of old, when they hardened their hearts and lost the privilege of entering into His rest.
Psalm 96. This psalm goes beyond Israel and summons all the earth to sing praises, and a new song unto Jehovah. The new song will take in His dealings with Israel in a new way, according to the new covenant (Heb. 8:8), when His laws will be written in their minds and hearts. His salvation is to be shown forth from day to day. The gods of the nations are declared to be but idols, but Jehovah has created the heavens. They are to bring unto Him the glory and strength due His name, and to worship Him in the beauty of His holiness. They saw no beauty in Him who was God manifest in the flesh, but now their eyes are no longer “holden,” faith has sprung up in their hearts, and they can behold the King in His beauty (Isa. 33:17). I trust that those who read these lines are among those which believe and to Whom the Lord is precious. (1 Pet. 2:7.)
The heathen were to be told that Jehovah reigneth, and that the world was to be established and not to be moved, because He would judge righteously. So the earth and the heavens are called upon to rejoice before Him, who was coming to judge the earth.
Psalm 97. Here again we have faith recognizing that Jehovah reigneth. It is a manifestation of His power and judgments, perhaps such as will be felt when His judgments which we read about in Revelation 19, are poured forth. A fire is mentioned as going before Him and the earth trembling because of it. Confusion is upon all that worship idols. But Zion heard all this and was glad, for faith recognizes that light is sown for the righteous, and gladness is the portion of the upright in heart. Thus they are called upon to give thanks.
ML 03/05/1961