Psalm 97

Psalm 97

THE MAJESTIC KING

¹The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice;

let the many coasts and islands be glad.^p

²Clouds and total darkness surround him;

righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.^q

³Fire goes before him

and burns up his foes on every side.^r

⁴His lightning lights up the world;

the earth sees and trembles.^s

⁵The mountains melt like wax

at the presence of the Lord—

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

⁶The heavens proclaim his righteousness;^u

all the peoples see his glory.^v

⁷All who serve carved images,

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

All the gods must worship him.^x

⁸Zion hears and is glad,

Judah’s villages^B rejoice

because of your judgments, Lord.^y

⁹For you, Lord,

are the Most High over the whole earth;

you are exalted above all the gods.^z

¹⁰You 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

¹¹Light dawns^D for the righteous,

gladness for the upright in heart.^ad

¹²Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones,

and give thanks to his holy name.^Eae