The next four psalms, Psalm 97-100, were written during the dedication of the Temple that Solomon built for God’s presence. Today’s psalm paints a dramatic picture of the holiness and fierceness of the Lord. He is supreme over all the earth and exalted far above all gods. In 2 Chronicles 7: 16 God tells Solomon:

“I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.

He continues to instruct Solomon saying, if Solomon faithfully follows God like his father David did, then God will continue to bless him and Israel. But if Solomon or his people abandon God and disobey God’s commands then He will reject the Temple, in addition to other consequences.

The psalmist, in verse 10 keeps it simple and gives these instructions to the people:

You who love the LORD, hate evil; He protects the souls of His godly ones (believers), He rescues them from the hand of the wicked.

This simple instruction would help them stay focussed on following the Lord’s commands.

It’s a good baseline for us as well. Paul tells us in Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Take a look at your hands. What are you clinging to?

See you tomorrow for Psalm 98

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