Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Psalms 97:3
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
A fire goeth before him, etc,] Not the fiery law, which went forth from his right hand on Mount Sinai; but rather his Gospel, which, as it enlightens, warms, comforts, and refreshes his people, searches, torments, and destroys his enemies, and is the savour of death unto death to them; (see <242329>Jeremiah 23:29 <470216>2 Corinthians 2:16 <661105>Revelation 11:5). Some apply this to the gifts of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, signified by cloven tongues of fire; but then no such effect followed as mentioned in the next clause: it seems best to interpret it of his wrath, which, like fire, was poured out to the uttermost on the Jews, for their disbelief and rejection of him; they would not have him to reign over them; they despised his Gospel, and slew his servants; wherefore he sent the Roman armies to them, who destroyed those murderers, and burnt their city, (<402207>Matthew 22:7), this will be also verified in the second coming of Christ, who will descend in flaming fire, and the earth will be burnt up, and all that is therein, (<530107>2 Thessalonians 1:7,8 <610310>2 Peter 3:10,12), some Jewish writers interpret this of the war of Gog and Magog, in Ezekiel, which they suppose still future; as, when it is, fire will be sent and rained upon them, (<263822>Ezekiel 38:22 39:6), but may be better applied to the Gog and Magog in (<662008>Revelation 20:8,9) and burneth up his enemies round about; so that none can escape: this was true of the Jewish nation, who were burnt up; so that there was not left root nor branch in it, (<390401>Malachi 4:1), and will be true of the wicked, at the general conflagration of the world, upon Christ’s second coming; and of the Gog and Magog army, after the resurrection.
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