Psalm 97:9 Most High

Psalm 97:9 For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

The opening phrase of Psalm 97 is The Lord reigns. It is this fact that is celebrated in the psalm, along with the justice of that reign. It begins by speaking of his reign over the pagan world (1-6) and concluding (7) All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols— worship him, all you gods!  It goes on to speak of the joy his reign brings to the people of God (Zion) and calls on them to respond by living righteous lives and praising him. He reigns over the pagan world by showing himself in the lightning storm. He comes surrounded by clouds and thick darkness  ... Fire going before him and consuming his foes on every side. His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. These are only examples of his general revelation but together they proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory. His own people also see it, even more clearly and know, as verse 9 declares that the Lord, the true God, is the Most High over all the earth; he is exalted far above all gods. The suggestion is not that there are many gods and that the Lord is number one. Rather, even given the pagan view of things, the Lord nevertheless shows himself to be the Most High in fact. We must respond by hating evil, trusting in him and rejoicing with praise.