God reveals His majesty through lightning so radiant that the whole earth cannot help but tremble in solemn awe.
“His lightnings lit up the world; The earth saw and trembled.” (v.4)
The psalmist continues his celebration of the LORD’s sovereignty by vividly portraying the power of His presence. When the Almighty displays His might through lightning, it is as though He illuminates the entire world in an instant, revealing both His glory and mankind’s smallness. In the face of such splendor, creation has no other response than to shudder in reverent awe. Similar depictions of thunder and lightning demonstrating God’s majesty can be found when the LORD descended upon Mount Sinai in fire, where “the whole mountain quaked violently” (Exodus 19:18).
In this scene, nature becomes a living canvas that proclaims God’s dominion. Lightnings, which seem fierce and uncontrollable, are but instruments in the hand of the Creator, telling of His unstoppable strength. The trembling of the earth points to how all creation acknowledges God’s reign, reminding believers that nothing is outside His righteous rule. Throughout Scripture, phenomena such as fiery clouds or blazing thunderbolts underscore the extent of the LORD’s holiness as well as His authority over heaven and earth.
Because of this awesome demonstration of divine power, Psalm 97 encourages God’s people to respond in worship, gratitude, and humble fear. The sovereign Creator, whose lightning can pierce the darkness of the world, is the same God who graciously draws near to His faithful ones. Such a mighty display should anchor believers’ trust, knowing the One who lights up the sky also guides His children and calls them into obedient fellowship through Jesus Christ (John 8:12).
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Psalms 97:4 meaning
“His lightnings lit up the world; The earth saw and trembled.” (v.4)
The psalmist continues his celebration of the LORD’s sovereignty by vividly portraying the power of His presence. When the Almighty displays His might through lightning, it is as though He illuminates the entire world in an instant, revealing both His glory and mankind’s smallness. In the face of such splendor, creation has no other response than to shudder in reverent awe. Similar depictions of thunder and lightning demonstrating God’s majesty can be found when the LORD descended upon Mount Sinai in fire, where “the whole mountain quaked violently” (Exodus 19:18).
In this scene, nature becomes a living canvas that proclaims God’s dominion. Lightnings, which seem fierce and uncontrollable, are but instruments in the hand of the Creator, telling of His unstoppable strength. The trembling of the earth points to how all creation acknowledges God’s reign, reminding believers that nothing is outside His righteous rule. Throughout Scripture, phenomena such as fiery clouds or blazing thunderbolts underscore the extent of the LORD’s holiness as well as His authority over heaven and earth.
Because of this awesome demonstration of divine power, Psalm 97 encourages God’s people to respond in worship, gratitude, and humble fear. The sovereign Creator, whose lightning can pierce the darkness of the world, is the same God who graciously draws near to His faithful ones. Such a mighty display should anchor believers’ trust, knowing the One who lights up the sky also guides His children and calls them into obedient fellowship through Jesus Christ (John 8:12).