What is the meaning of Psalm 97:4?

His lightning

- “His lightning” stresses ownership. The bolts that streak across the sky are not impersonal forces; they are governed by the Lord (Job 36:32: “He fills His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark”).

- Lightning is often linked in Scripture with divine appearance and judgment, such as at Sinai (Exodus 19:16) and in David’s song of deliverance (Psalm 18:12–14).

- The verse reminds us that nothing in creation operates outside God’s hand—an assurance that the same God who commands lightning also rules every detail of our lives (Matthew 10:29–31).

---

Illuminates the world

- A single flash can light up an entire horizon. Likewise, when God moves, His glory becomes unmistakably evident (Habakkuk 3:4; Psalm 29:3–4).

- Illumination in Scripture often pictures revelation. God’s acts expose darkness and call the world to acknowledge Him (John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 4:6).

- Because the whole world is lit, no corner is exempt from His testimony (Romans 1:19–20).

---

The earth sees

- Creation is personified as an observer, echoing Psalm 98:7–9 where rivers clap their hands. Nature “sees” in that God’s power is manifest to all (Isaiah 40:5).

- Humanity, too, cannot fail to notice. Even pagans at Sinai begged Moses to intercede after seeing the display (Exodus 20:18–19).

- The visibility of God’s power leaves every person accountable (Acts 17:30–31).

---

And trembles

- “Trembles” conveys awe and fear. When confronted with divine majesty, the proper response is reverent submission (Psalm 114:7; Jeremiah 5:22).

- Earthquakes often accompany theophanies—Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18) and the Calvary crucifixion (Matthew 27:51)—signaling that God’s presence shakes the foundations of a fallen world.

- For believers, this trembling leads to worship; for rebels, it warns of coming judgment (Hebrews 12:26–29).

---

summary

Psalm 97:4 portrays a vivid scene: God’s own lightning blazes, illuminating every corner of the earth, which then beholds His power and quakes in awe. The verse underscores His sovereign control over creation, the universal reach of His self-revelation, and the appropriate human response of reverent fear and worship.