Psalm 97:5 Study Bible: The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

◄ Psalm 97:5 ►

The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

The mountains melt like wax
This phrase illustrates the overwhelming power and majesty of God. Mountains, often seen as symbols of strength and permanence, are depicted as melting like wax, emphasizing their fragility before the divine presence. This imagery is reminiscent of other biblical passages where God's power is demonstrated through nature, such as in Nahum 1:5, where mountains quake before Him. The metaphor of melting wax suggests a complete transformation, indicating that nothing can withstand God's presence.

at the presence of the LORD
The presence of the LORD signifies His immediate and active involvement in the world. In the Old Testament, God's presence is often associated with His glory and holiness, as seen in Exodus 19:18, where Mount Sinai is covered with smoke because the LORD descended on it in fire. This presence is both awe-inspiring and fearsome, causing natural elements to respond dramatically. It underscores the belief that God is not distant but actively engaged with His creation.

before the Lord of all the earth
This phrase affirms God's sovereignty over the entire earth, not just a specific region or people. It reflects the monotheistic belief that the LORD is the supreme ruler of all creation, as seen in passages like Psalm 24:1, which declares that the earth is the LORD's and everything in it. This universal lordship is a central theme in the Psalms, emphasizing that God's authority and power extend beyond Israel to encompass all nations and lands. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the Lord of all, as seen in Philippians 2:10-11, where every knee shall bow and every tongue confess His lordship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, representing God's supreme power and authority over creation.

2. Mountains
Symbolic of strength, stability, and permanence in the natural world, yet they melt before God's presence, illustrating His overwhelming power.

3. Earth
The domain over which God reigns as Lord, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God'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 God
Recognizing 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 Presence
Just 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 Power
In 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 God
The 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 19
The presence of God on Mount Sinai, where the mountain trembled, parallels the imagery of mountains melting, highlighting God's awe-inspiring power.

Nahum 1:5
This verse also describes mountains quaking before the Lord, reinforcing the theme of God's dominion over nature.

Revelation 6:14
The imagery of mountains and islands being moved from their places during the end times echoes the transformative power of God's presence.

Sermons

How May Our Belief of God's Governing the World Support Us in All Worldly Distractions	S. Slater, M.A.	Psalm 97:1-12
Jehovah is King	R. C. Ford, M.A.	Psalm 97:1-12
Jehovah is King	S. Conway	Psalm 97:1-12
Jehovah's Sovereignty	H. Burton, B.A.	Psalm 97:1-12
The Consolation of God's Sovereignty	W. Clarkson, B.A.	Psalm 97:1-12
The Divine Government	Evangelical Preacher	Psalm 97:1-12
The Divine Government Matter O Universal Joy	C. Backus, M.A.	Psalm 97:1-12
The Divine Government of the Universe	W. Morrison, D.D.	Psalm 97:1-12
The Divine Government the Joy of Our World	S. Davies, M.A.	Psalm 97:1-12
The Fact and Consequence of the Divine Government	G. M. Mackie, M. A.	Psalm 97:1-12
The Lord Reigneth	J. H. Jowett, M.A.	Psalm 97:1-12
The Reign of God	R. Watson.	Psalm 97:1-12
The Reign of God Over the World	Homilist	Psalm 97:1-12
The Sign of the Storm God	R. Tuck	Psalm 97:3-5

People

Psalmist

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Hills, Melt, Melted, Mountains, Presence, Wax

Dictionary 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 NIV
Psalm 97:5 NLT
Psalm 97:5 ESV
Psalm 97:5 NASB
Psalm 97:5 KJV

Psalm 97:5 Commentaries

Bible Hub