Psalm 97, In Light of the Names of God (2)

Again we would like to meditate on one of the Psalms, giving careful thought to the names of God.  As in Ps. 96 (yesterday’s post), this Psalm is a call to joy and gladness (v1).  But the description of the LORD is heavy (v2-5).  Clouds and darkness surround Him, righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne, a fire goes before Him to burn up His enemies, His lightnings light the world, the earth trembles, and the mountains melt like wax at His presence.  In a phrase, we are called to rejoice and give thanks when we think of His “holy name” (v12).

The joy is not the result simply of the LORD’s judgment on His enemies.  His enemies are, in fact, called to stop being His enemies, recognize His glory, turn from their idols and worship Him (v6-7).  The fact that the LORD deals with His enemies, who are Israel’s enemies also, brings joy to Zion as He carries out His judgments (v8-11).  Thus, they are called to rejoice in the LORD.

Now consider the references to God in this Psalm.  First, note the reference to “gods” (elohim) and the term “idols” (things that are nothing, that are empty and worthless), both in v7.  We saw this in Ps. 96.  But note the call that is issued in v7: Worship Him, all you gods.  The term elohim means “mighty ones.”  It is used of angels and also of important and powerful men, as well as “gods”, but mostly of God.  Yet, an idle is nothing.  Its “mightiness” is bound up in the person who made it and worship’s it.  That person considers himself to be mighty.  Thus, the call to worship YAHWEH, is given to the mighty one who made the idol; “gods” that are nothing have nothing to offer the LORD in worship.

The most prominent name is YAHWEH (LORD), the God of Israel, appearing six times.  But it is not the only reference to God.  In v5 we read of the presence of the LORD and the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.  Both refer to the same Person.  He is Israel’s God (LORD); and He is the Master or Strong One (Lord).  The Hebrew is not “Adonai” (only used of God) but “Adown” (used 335 times in the OT, 31 times of God, and the rest to various lords and masters on earth). 

There is another name to note.  In v9 YAHWEH is said to be most high above all the earth.  This is not the name “El Elyon” (God Most High) but simply says He is “elyon” (most high).  The adjoining line has a synonym, that He is exalted far above all gods (elohim).  The root idea of this term is “strength.”  But I found it a bit humorous, in one attempt to define the term, the author used the term muchness.  I wasn’t sure there was such a word, although having “googled” it, the British apparently are allowed to use this word for “greatness in quantity or degree.”  I laughed, not because the LORD doesn’t fit such a description, but because, when we are trying to describe the infinite LORD, we sometimes find ourselves out on the far edges of the English language.  He is truly incomprehensible!