PS 97 Christ is the Alpha and Omega in this psalm. His government speaks terror to his enemies, ver. 1-7. And comfort to his friends, whom he preserves and delivers, ver. 8-12.

Verse 1. Isles - The Gentile nations, as this word, used Isaiah xlii, 4, is expounded, Matt. xii, 21.

Verse 2. Darkness - A dark cloud doth encompass him.

Verse 6. Heavens - The angels, yea God himself from heaven.

Verse 7. Confounded - Let them be ashamed of their folly. Gods - All you whom the Gentiles have made the objects of their worship.

Verse 8. Zion - Thy people dwelling in Zion or Jerusalem, to whom Christ came. Heard - The fame of thy judgments, and the setting up the kingdom of the Messiah.