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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 97:2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne's foundation.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/97-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/19_Psa_097_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 97:2 - Let the Earth Rejoice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne's foundation." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/97-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/97-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/97.htm">Chapter 97</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/97-1.htm" title="Psalm 97:1">◄</a> Psalm 97:2 <a href="/psalms/97-3.htm" title="Psalm 97:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/97.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/97.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/97.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Dark clouds surround him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/97.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/97.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/97.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness <i>are</i> round about him: righteousness and judgment <i>are</i> the habitation of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/97.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice <i>are</i> the foundation of His throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/97.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/97.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/97.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/97.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Clouds and thick darkness are all around Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/97.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and thick darkness surround Him [as at Sinai]; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/97.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and total darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/97.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/97.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness are round about him: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/97.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Dark clouds surround him, and his throne is supported by justice and fairness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/97.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the foundation of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/97.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness surround him. Righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/97.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness surround him; he rules with righteousness and justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/97.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Thick clouds are all around him; righteousness and justice are his throne's foundation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/97.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne?s foundation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/97.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Dark clouds surround him; equity and justice are the foundation of his throne. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/97.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/97.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness surround him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/97.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/97.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Cloud and darkness [are] around Him, "" Righteousness and judgment the basis of His throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/97.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Cloud and darkness are round about Him, Righteousness and judgment the basis of His throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/97.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A cloud and darkness round about him: justice and judgment the preparing of his throne.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/97.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness are round about him: justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/97.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 96:2>Clouds and mist are all around him. Justice and judgment are corrections from his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/97.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Cloud and darkness surround him; justice and right are the foundation of his throne. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/97.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/97.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness are round about him; righteousness and judgment are the foundation of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/97.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Clouds and thick darkness surround him; his throne is established in righteousness and in judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/97.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness are round about Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/97.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Cloud, and darkness are round about him; righteousness and judgment are the establishment of his throne.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/97-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=12117" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/97.htm">Let the Earth Rejoice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6051.htm" title="6051: ‘ā·nān (N-ms) -- A cloud mass, cloud. From anan; a cloud, i.e. The nimbus or thunder-cloud.">Clouds</a> <a href="/hebrew/6205.htm" title="6205: wa·‘ă·rā·p̄el (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Cloud, heavy cloud. Probably from araph; gloom.">and darkness</a> <a href="/hebrew/5439.htm" title="5439: sə·ḇî·ḇāw (Adv:: 3ms) -- Circuit, round about. Or cbiybah; from cabab; a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly around.">surround Him;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6664.htm" title="6664: ṣe·ḏeq (N-ms) -- Rightness, righteousness. From tsadaq; the right; also equity or prosperity.">righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: ū·miš·pāṭ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Judgment. ">and justice</a> <a href="/hebrew/3678.htm" title="3678: kis·’ōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Seat of honor, throne. Or kicceh; from kacah; properly, covered, i.e. A throne.">are His throne’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4349.htm" title="4349: mə·ḵō·wn (N-msc) -- From kuwn; properly, a fixture, i.e. A basis; generally a place, especially as an abode.">foundation.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16-18</a></span><br />On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled. / Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. / Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-10.htm">1 Kings 8:10-12</a></span><br />And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. / Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-7.htm">Isaiah 45:7</a></span><br />I form the light and create the darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21</a></span><br />And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/6-1.htm">2 Chronicles 6:1</a></span><br />Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-2.htm">Isaiah 60:2</a></span><br />For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-9.htm">Job 38:9</a></span><br />when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/30-3.htm">Ezekiel 30:3</a></span><br />For the day is near, the Day of the LORD is near. It will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-2.htm">Joel 2:2</a></span><br />a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/1-3.htm">Nahum 1:3</a></span><br />The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-30.htm">Matthew 24:30</a></span><br />At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-7.htm">Revelation 1:7</a></span><br />Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a></span><br />While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-7.htm">Mark 9:7</a></span><br />Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-27.htm">Luke 21:27</a></span><br />At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.</p><p class="hdg">clouds</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Psalm 18:11,12</a></b></br> He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him <i>were</i> dark waters <i>and</i> thick clouds of the skies… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/77-19.htm">Psalm 77:19</a></b></br> Thy way <i>is</i> in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21</a></b></br> And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God <i>was</i>.</p><p class="hdg">righteousness</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/45-6.htm">Psalm 45:6,7</a></b></br> Thy throne, O God, <i>is</i> for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom <i>is</i> a right sceptre… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Psalm 89:14</a></b></br> Justice and judgment <i>are</i> the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/99-4.htm">Psalm 99:4</a></b></br> The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.</p><p class="hdg">habitation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/24-2.htm">Based</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-15.htm">Basis</a> <a href="/psalms/78-14.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/psalms/78-23.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/psalms/91-6.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/91-6.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/psalms/91-9.htm">Habitation</a> <a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/psalms/96-10.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/psalms/94-15.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/psalms/89-44.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/psalms/94-15.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/96-13.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/89-8.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/88-17.htm">Surround</a> <a href="/psalms/91-6.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/psalms/94-20.htm">Throne</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/104-3.htm">Based</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-61.htm">Basis</a> <a href="/psalms/99-7.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/psalms/104-3.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/psalms/104-20.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/104-20.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/102-25.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/psalms/104-12.htm">Habitation</a> <a href="/psalms/98-9.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/psalms/99-4.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/psalms/99-4.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/psalms/103-19.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/psalms/98-1.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/97-6.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/97-3.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/109-3.htm">Surround</a> <a href="/psalms/104-3.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/psalms/103-19.htm">Throne</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 97</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/97-1.htm">The majesty of God's kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/97-7.htm">The church rejoices at God's judgments upon idolaters</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/97-10.htm">An exhortation to godliness and gladness</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In biblical context, clouds often symbolize God's presence and divine glory, as seen in <a href="/exodus/19-9.htm">Exodus 19:9</a>, where God descends on Mount Sinai in a thick cloud. Darkness can represent the unknowable aspects of God, emphasizing His transcendence and the awe He inspires. This imagery is consistent with the theophany at Mount Sinai, where God's presence was accompanied by thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud (<a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a>). The use of clouds and darkness also reflects the idea that God's ways and judgments are beyond human understanding, as seen in <a href="/job/38.htm">Job 38:1-2</a>, where God speaks to Job out of a whirlwind.<p><b>righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.</b><br>Righteousness and justice are central attributes of God's character and are foundational to His rule. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's throne symbolized his authority and governance. For God, His throne is established on righteousness and justice, indicating that His rule is perfect and fair. This is echoed in <a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Psalm 89:14</a>, which states, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before You." These attributes are also prophetic of the Messianic reign of Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect righteousness and justice (<a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Isaiah 9:7</a>). The emphasis on these qualities assures believers of God's moral integrity and the ultimate triumph of His just rule over the earth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, depicted as being surrounded by clouds and darkness, symbolizing His majesty and mystery.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/throne_of_god.htm">Throne of God</a></b><br>Represents God's sovereign rule, established on the principles of righteousness and justice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/clouds_and_darkness.htm">Clouds and Darkness</a></b><br>Symbolic elements that convey the awe-inspiring and sometimes incomprehensible nature of God's presence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_majesty_of_god.htm">The Majesty of God</a></b><br>God's presence is often depicted with elements like clouds and darkness, which remind us of His majesty and the reverence due to Him. We should approach God with awe and respect, acknowledging His greatness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_god.htm">The Mystery of God</a></b><br>The imagery of darkness suggests that there are aspects of God that are beyond human understanding. We must trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, even when we do not fully comprehend His ways.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/righteousness_and_justice.htm">Righteousness and Justice</a></b><br>These are foundational to God's rule. As believers, we are called to reflect these attributes in our lives, striving to live righteously and uphold justice in our communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The throne imagery underscores God's ultimate authority over the universe. We can find comfort in knowing that His rule is perfect and just, even amidst the chaos of the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_97.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 97</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_depict_unverified_supernatural_events.htm">Why does this chapter depict supernatural phenomena (Psalm 97:2–5) that have no corroboration in recorded natural history? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_''voice_of_the_archangel''_mean.htm">What does it mean to hate evil and love good?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_psalm_109_with_mercy.htm">How do we reconcile the harsh imprecations in Psalm 109:6–15 with the Bible’s emphasis on mercy and compassion? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_18_20-24_align_with_2_sam_11.htm">How does David's claim of righteousness in Psalm 18:20-24 align with accounts of his moral failures elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., 2 Samuel 11)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/97.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Clouds and darkness.</span>--Comp. <a href="/context/psalms/18-10.htm" title="And he rode on a cherub, and did fly: yes, he did fly on the wings of the wind.">Psalm 18:10-12</a>. The imagery in the first instance is borrowed from the Theophany at Sinai. (<a href="/exodus/19-9.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, See, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you for ever. And Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.">Exodus 19:9</a>; <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm" title="And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightning, and a thick cloud on the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.">Exodus 19:16</a>; <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm" title="And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.">Exodus 20:21</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm" title="And you came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire to the middle of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.">Deuteronomy 4:11</a>; <a href="/context/deuteronomy/5-22.htm" title="These words the LORD spoke to all your assembly in the mount out of the middle of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them to me.">Deuteronomy 5:22-23</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/97.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Clouds and darkness are round about him</span> (comp. <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16, 18</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/5-22.htm">Deuteronomy 5:22</a>:<a href="/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12</a>). The "darkness" does not belong to the nature of God, who "is Light, and in him is no darkness at all" (<a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5</a>), but to the interrelationship between God and man, in which are involved problems that man cannot solve. <span class="cmt_word">Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne;</span> rather, <span class="accented">the foundation of his throne</span> - the firm basis on which it is immovably fixed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/97-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Clouds</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנָ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6051.htm">Strong's 6051: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and darkness</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲרָפֶ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·rā·p̄el)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6205.htm">Strong's 6205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cloud, heavy cloud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">surround Him;</span><br /><span class="heb">סְבִיבָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(sə·ḇî·ḇāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5439.htm">Strong's 5439: </a> </span><span class="str2">A circle, neighbour, environs, around</span><br /><br /><span class="word">righteousness</span><br /><span class="heb">צֶ֥דֶק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣe·ḏeq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6664.htm">Strong's 6664: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right, equity, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and justice</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝מִשְׁפָּ֗ט</span> <span class="translit">(ū·miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are His throne’s</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּסְאֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(kis·’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3678.htm">Strong's 3678: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seat of honor, throne</span><br /><br /><span class="word">foundation.</span><br /><span class="heb">מְכ֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḵō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4349.htm">Strong's 4349: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fixture, a basis, a place, as an abode</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/97-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 97:2 Clouds and darkness are around him (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/97-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 97:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 97:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/97-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 97:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 97:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>