Why does this chapter depict supernatural phenomena (Psalm 97:2–5) that have no corroboration in recorded natural history?

I. Text and Context of Psalm 97:2–5

“Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side. His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD—before the Lord of all the earth.” (Psalm 97:2–5)

Psalm 97 is part of a collection that celebrates the kingship of the LORD over all creation. In these verses, the psalmist describes dramatic cosmic imagery showcasing divine power, justice, and holiness. The language evokes awe by illustrating clouds, darkness, fire, and the melting of mountains. While some observers note a perceived lack of secular historical corroboration for such events, this psalm highlights a theological message: the unrivaled sovereignty of the One who created these forces.

Despite the absence of corresponding “recorded natural history” describing mountains literally melting, the underlying assertion is specific: all creation bows in response to divine presence, signifying God’s unlimited authority rather than simply providing an outline of ordinary geological processes.

II. Literary and Poetic Imagery

The descriptive expressions of lightning and trembling earth are common in Hebrew poetry, conveying reality through vivid metaphor. The imagery underscores the immediacy and intensity of divine majesty. Similar poetic accounts appear throughout the Old Testament:

• Exodus 19:16–18 portrays thunder, lightning, and a trembling mountain prior to the giving of the Law.

• Psalm 18:7–9 declares that God’s coming leads to quaking earth and fiery exhalations.

Taken cumulatively, biblical poetry consistently reinforces the same truth: the power of the Almighty cannot be confined by human expectation.

III. Historical and Archaeological Considerations

1. Absence of Exact Secular Records

Not every miracle or supernatural event from the Old Testament period is documented (or discovered) within the limited scope of ancient secular texts. Many ancient documents have been lost or remain undiscovered. The lack of external confirmation does not negate the reality of recorded events, especially since the Scriptures themselves provide robust internal consistency (see discussion of consistent manuscript evidence through centuries in works evaluating Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text manuscripts, and similar sources).

2. Archaeological Discoveries

Although we do not have direct material evidence of mountains literally melting, numerous archaeological discoveries support the broader historical reliability of the Old Testament. For example, excavations at Jericho demonstrate layers of collapsed walls dated to the time frame consistent with a biblical narrative (Joshua 6); the Tel Dan Stele references the “House of David,” confirming the existence of a Davidic dynasty. While these findings do not describe the phenomena of Psalm 97:2–5 specifically, they do bolster confidence in the Bible’s overall historical credibility.

3. Geological Analogues

In rare geological events—such as volcanic eruptions—mountainsides can appear to “melt” when lava flows. Though the psalmist’s statement transcends mere natural phenomenon, aligning poetry (mountains melting) with known volcanic activity provides a partial “real-world” image of how unstoppable and overwhelming divine power can be.

IV. The Nature of Supernatural Phenomena

1. Divine Engagement With Creation

Scripture consistently testifies that the Creator interacts with the natural world in ways that transcend ordinary processes (e.g., the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14, the axhead floating in 2 Kings 6:1–7). Psalm 97 continues this theme, implying that the world itself responds dramatically to God’s intervention.

2. Uniqueness of Supernatural Events

By definition, miracles and supernatural acts lie outside the reproducible and predictable realm of daily science. They are singular events demonstrating God’s authority over natural laws. The scriptural record preserves what might not be attested in a normal historical or scientific chronicle, since miraculous interventions are not recurring phenomena that can be repeatedly measured.

V. Theological Significance of the Imagery

1. Emphasizing God’s Sovereignty

The psalmist’s depiction of earth trembling and mountains melting illustrates the complete authority of God over creation. This vantage point is crucial in understanding the text’s intent: every aspect of nature falls under divine dominion. Humanity’s perspective, thus, should be one of reverential awe.

2. Illustration of Righteousness and Justice

Psalm 97:2 highlights righteousness and justice as the foundation of the divine throne. The fiery and trembling environs set the stage for a God whose moral perfection is as fearsome to evil as it is comforting to those seeking righteousness. The startling imagery of melting mountains becomes a reminder that nothing can stand against eternal truth.

3. Reflection of God’s Holiness

Throughout Scripture, manifestations of God’s presence bring a heightened awareness of divine holiness. Psalm 97’s references to clouds, fire, and lightning resonate with other biblical accounts: in Exodus 19, darkness and fire settled upon Mount Sinai, underscoring majesty and holiness. These experiences are at times beyond the scope of normal historical observation because they serve primarily a redemptive and revelatory purpose.

VI. Harmonizing Poetic Description With Reality

1. Symbolic Yet Genuine

Biblical language can be simultaneously poetic and literal in its communication of divine truth. The event of mountains melting “like wax” is likely employing vivid symbolism to illustrate the inevitability of creation’s surrender in God’s presence. Yet the same words stress a real and overwhelming power, reminding humanity that what appears unmovable can indeed be dissolved by the Creator.

2. Consistency With Other Scriptural Miracles

The Old Testament, the Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles all document events that defy conventional explanation (e.g., the resurrection of Christ in the New Testament). If one accepts the possibility of a genuine resurrection—cited by numerous witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3–8)—then the supernatural phenomena described in Psalm 97 become reasonable in the broader biblical worldview.

VII. Credibility of the Biblical Record

1. Manuscript Reliability

Researchers specializing in biblical manuscripts (e.g., comparative studies of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Septuagint, and later Hebrew codices) have noted a remarkable consistency in preserving texts across centuries. While the original scribes were primarily concerned with faithfully transmitting Scripture rather than validating it in secular annals, their extreme caution in copying affirms confidence in the continuity of the text.

2. Testimony of Miraculous Events

The biblical corpus details numerous miracles witnessed by multiple individuals (e.g., the feeding of thousands in John 6:1–14, resurrection accounts in all four Gospels). While it might not align with typical historical records, careful consideration of eyewitness testimonies in ancient documents demonstrates a pattern of reliability when cross-examined with internal consistency and the absence of contradictory primary accounts.

3. Convergence of Archaeology and Textual Evidence

Even though no single artifact can definitively prove every supernatural detail, the overall convergence of archaeological discoveries with biblical places, cultural practices, individuals, and timelines creates a foundation upon which these supernatural claims stand. If the rest of biblical history aligns with verifiable facts, it is consistent to trust the supernatural descriptions as authentic representations of divine activity.

VIII. Purpose for Modern Readers

1. Faith and Reverence

These verses serve as a call to humility. Recognizing God’s sovereignty, one acknowledges that science and recorded history, though valuable, do not exhaust all reality. The text directs readers to trust the One who stands above nature and uses it for purposeful ends.

2. Hope and Assurance

Psalm 97 also carries a message of deliverance and comfort. Fire consumes God’s enemies (v. 3), and righteousness and justice form the throne’s foundation (v. 2). These outcomes assure readers that evil will ultimately fall, and divine goodness will prevail.

3. Alignment With Creation

Rather than depicting arbitrary destruction, the phenomenon of creation trembling is deeply purposeful: it signals creation in harmony with its Maker, reflecting both fear and obedience. This perspective encourages a posture of submitting personal life to the holiness and righteousness of the One who formed mountains in the first place.

IX. Conclusion

Psalm 97:2–5 depicts breathtaking supernatural elements that transcend ordinary natural experience. While secular history may not corroborate every detail of these dramatic manifestations, Scripture consistently presents a God who operates beyond the limits of day-to-day processes. Such events are extraordinary displays of divine power intended to reveal God’s character: holy, just, and sovereign over the cosmos.

Far from undermining the reliability of Scripture, these passages highlight its theological depth. The overwhelming presence that causes mountains to melt is the same force that offers hope and salvation. It underscores that the world is not a closed system; rather, it is lovingly governed by its Creator, who intervenes in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. By examining the text, its poetic context, archaeological parallels, and the overarching affirmation of miracles throughout Scripture, one can appreciate the earnest declaration that when the LORD appears, all creation responds in reverence—even if that response surpasses our common historical records.