Psalm 97

Psalm 97

THE MAJESTIC KING

1 The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice;

let the many coasts and islands be glad.p

2 Clouds and total darkness surround him;

righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.q

3 Fire goes before him

and burns up his foes on every side.r

4 His lightning lights up the world;

the earth sees and trembles.s

5 The mountains melt like wax

at the presence of the Lord—

at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.t

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness;u

all the peoples see his glory.v

7 All who serve carved images,

those who boast in worthless idols, will be put to shame.w

All the gods* must worship him.x

8 Zion hears and is glad,

Judah’s villagesB rejoice

because of your judgments, Lord.y

9 For you, Lord,

are the Most High over the whole earth;

you are exalted above all the gods.z

10 You who love the Lord, hate evil!aa

He protects the lives of his faithful ones;ab

he rescues them from the power of the wicked.ac

11 Light dawns* D for the righteous,

gladness for the upright in heart.ad

12 Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones,

and give thanks to his holy name.E,ae