Psalms 97:2-5

These verses reveal the appearance of the Lord in terms similar to other visions God gave His prophets (cf. Isaiah 6:1-4; Ezekiel 1; Revelation 1). The psalmist’s words describe God’s glory in figurative language. Clouds and thick darkness picture awesome power (cf. Deuteronomy 4:11; Deuteronomy 5:22-23; cf. Zechariah 14:6-7). Fire represents God’s consuming judgment (cf. Hebrews 12:29). Elsewhere in Scripture the shaking of mountains announced the Lord’s coming to earth (Exodus 19:18; cf. Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:5).