The advent of God's kingdom: Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones. Psalm 97:10
The Book of Psalms is a book of songs and hymns, but it is also a wisdom book; that is to say, it is a book that with its metaphors and teachings seeks to take men into the mysteries of God's wisdom, and the Psalm 97 is a clear example of this.
The Psalm 97 is a hymn to the greatness and glory of God, and announces to men in a certain manner the advent of his perfect and eternal Kingdom.
God is wise, and the whole earth is subject to his eternal providence, the Psalm teaches, and when he is present with his perfections, righteousness, and mercy (compassion, gentleness, kindness) are manifested among men:
"The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne" Psalm 97:1-2.
And faced with this eternal providence that directs everything and this spiritual kingdom that can be glimpsed, men have to choose, just as there are those who choose to live as fools, there are those who choose to live with wisdom. For this reason, the Psalm affirms:
"The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all peoples see his glory" Psalm 97:6.
God manifests his wisdom and his word but men have the freedom to choose, the Psalm teaches. About men who live like fools, the psalm says:
"All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols—
worship him, all you gods!" Psalm 97:7.
But then the Psalm reflects on the reward for pure souls, those who with genuine intention fear God, the love of God is love without passion:
"Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked" Psalm 97:10.
The Psalm ends with praise to God and his devotees, goodness and true happiness never abandon sensible men:
"Light shines on the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name" Psalm 97:11-12.
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