cf. Psa 47:3, 10) might close the Psalm; there follows still, however, a hortatory strophe (which was perhaps not added till later on).
Verses 10-12
It is true Psa 97:12 is = Psa 32:11, Psa 97:12 = Psa 30:5, and the promise in Psa 97:10 is the same as in Psa 37:28; Psa 34:21; but as to the rest, particularly Psa 97:11, this strophe is original. It is an encouraging admonition to fidelity in an age in which an effeminate spirit of looking longingly towards lit. ogling heathenism was rife, and stedfast adherence to Jahve was threatened with loss of life. Those who are faithful in their confession, as in the Maccabaean age (Ἀσιδαῖοι), are called חסדיו. The beautiful figure in Psa 97:11 is misapprehended by the ancient versions, inasmuch as they read זרח (Psa 112:4) instead of זרע. זרע does not here signify sown = strewn into the earth, but strewn along his life's way, so that he, the righteous one, advances step by step in the light. Hitzig rightly compares ki'dnatai ski'dnatai, used of the dawn and of the sun. Of the former Virgil also says, Et jam prima novo spargebat lumine terras. =Psalm 98=
Greeting to Him Who Is Become Known in Righteousness and Salvation
1 SING unto Jahve a new song, For He hath done marvellous things, His right hand and His holy arm helped Him. 2 Jahve hath made known His salvation, He hath revealed His righteousness before the eyes of the nations. 3 He remembered His loving-kindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel, All the ends of the earth saw the salvation of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise unto Jahve, all ye lands, Break forth into rejoicing and play — 5 Play unto Jahve with the cithern, With the cithern and the voice
