The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. The mountains melt like waxThis phrase vividly illustrates the overwhelming power and majesty of God. In the Hebrew text, the word for "mountains" is "הָרִים" (harim), which often symbolizes stability, strength, and permanence. Mountains are typically seen as immovable and enduring, yet in the presence of the Lord, they "melt like wax." The imagery of wax melting is drawn from the Hebrew word "מוֹג" (môg), which conveys the idea of dissolving or becoming fluid. This metaphor emphasizes the transformative power of God's presence, suggesting that even the most formidable and enduring aspects of creation are subject to His will. Historically, mountains have been places of divine encounter, such as Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. This phrase reassures believers of God's supreme authority over all creation, encouraging them to trust in His power to overcome any obstacle. at the presence of the LORD
The phrase "at the presence of the LORD" underscores the immediacy and impact of God's nearness. The Hebrew word for "presence" is "פָּנִים" (panim), which can also mean "face." This suggests a personal and direct encounter with God. The use of "LORD" in all capital letters indicates the translation of the divine name "YHWH" (Yahweh), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. In the biblical narrative, the presence of the LORD is often associated with awe-inspiring events, such as the burning bush or the pillar of cloud and fire that guided the Israelites. This phrase invites believers to recognize the transformative power of God's presence in their lives, encouraging them to live in reverence and awe of His majesty. before the Lord of all the earth
This phrase expands the scope of God's dominion, affirming His sovereignty over the entire earth. The Hebrew word for "Lord" here is "אָדוֹן" (Adon), which denotes mastery and authority. By stating "of all the earth," the psalmist emphasizes that God's rule is not limited to a specific region or people but extends universally. This declaration aligns with the biblical theme of God's kingship over creation, as seen in passages like Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof." Historically, this assertion would have been a powerful reminder to the Israelites of God's supremacy over the pagan gods of surrounding nations. For contemporary believers, it serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the assurance that His purposes will prevail throughout the world. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, representing God's supreme power and authority over creation. 2. MountainsSymbolic of strength, stability, and permanence in the natural world, yet they melt before God's presence, illustrating His overwhelming power. 3. EarthThe domain over which God reigns as Lord, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod's presence is so powerful that even the most stable and enduring parts of creation, like mountains, cannot withstand it. This reminds us of His ultimate authority over all things. Reverence for GodRecognizing the power of God's presence should lead us to a deeper reverence and awe. We are called to worship Him with the understanding of His majesty and might. Transformation in God's PresenceJust as mountains melt, our hearts and lives can be transformed when we encounter God. We should seek His presence to bring about change and renewal in our lives. Trust in God's PowerIn times of trouble or when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, we can trust in God's power to overcome and transform any situation. Creation's Response to GodThe natural world responds to God's presence, reminding us that all creation is under His command. This should encourage us to live in harmony with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of mountains melting at God's presence enhance your understanding of His power and authority? 2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life, acknowledging His sovereignty? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced transformation in your life through God's presence. How did this change your perspective or actions? 4. How can the assurance of God's power help you face challenges or fears in your life today? 5. Consider the response of creation to God's presence. How can this inspire you to align your life more closely with God's will and purpose? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 19The presence of God on Mount Sinai, where the mountain trembled, parallels the imagery of mountains melting, highlighting God's awe-inspiring power. Nahum 1:5This verse also describes mountains quaking before the Lord, reinforcing the theme of God's dominion over nature. Revelation 6:14The imagery of mountains and islands being moved from their places during the end times echoes the transformative power of God's presence. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Hills, Melt, Melted, Mountains, Presence, WaxDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 97:5 4254 mountains Psalm 97:5-6 1230 God, the Lord Library August 13. "Clouds and Darkness are Round About Him" (Ps. Xcvii. 2).
"Clouds and darkness are round about Him" (Ps. xcvii. 2). The presence of clouds upon your sky, and trials in your path, is the very best evidence that you are following the pillar of cloud, and walking in the presence of God. They had to enter the cloud before they could behold the glory of the transfiguration, and a little later that same cloud became the chariot to receive the ascending Lord, and it is still waiting as the chariot that will bring His glorious appearing. Still it is true that white …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth June the Thirteenth Clouded but not Lost!
"Clouds and darkness are round about Him." --PSALM xcvii. When Lincoln had been assassinated, and word of the tragedy came to New York, "the people were in a state of mind which urges to violence." A man appeared on the balcony of one of the newspaper offices, waving a small flag, and a clear voice rang through the air: "Fellow-citizens! Clouds and darkness are round about Him! His pavilion is dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies! Justice and judgment are the habitation of His throne! Fellow-citizens, …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Righteous Hatred
The duty here enjoined is a general one to all God's people. We are to hate all evi--not some evils. It was said, you know, long ago, of certain professors, that they did "Compound for sins they were inclined to By damning those they had no mind to." And there are some, I dare say, at this day, who think others extremely guilty for committing iniquities which they do not care to commit, but they themselves commit other sins with which they deal very gently. O Christian, never take hold of sin, except …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 We Too are Thine.
"The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice."--Psalm 97:1. "Herr, unser Gott, mit Ehrfurcht dienen." [68]G. Tersteegen. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1858 Lord our God, in reverence lowly, The hosts of heaven call Thee "holy." From cherubim and seraphim, From angel phalanx, far extending, In fuller tones is still ascending The "holy, holy," of their hymn. The fount of joy Thou art, Ever filling every heart, Ever! ever! We too are Thine, and with them sing, "Thou, Lord, and only Thou art King." Lord, …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther The Morning Light
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. O ne strong internal proof that the Bible is a divine revelation, may be drawn from the subject matter; and particularly that it is the book, and the only book, that teaches us to …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Ascension of Messiah to Glory
Lift up your head, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. T he institutions of the Levitical law were a "shadow" or "sketch" of good things to come. They exhibited a faint and general outline …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Messiah Despised, and Rejected of Men
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief. T he heathen moralists, ignorant of the character and perfections of God, the true dignity and immorality of the soul, and the root and extent of human depravity, had no better foundation, for what they call virtue, than pride; no higher aim in their regulations, than the interests of society, and the conduct of civil life. They expressed, indeed, occasionally, some sentiments of a superior kind; but these, however just …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 97:5 NIVPsalm 97:5 NLTPsalm 97:5 ESVPsalm 97:5 NASBPsalm 97:5 KJV
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