Psalm 9712

97:1 The Lord reigns!

Let the earth be happy!

Let the many coastlands rejoice!

97:2 Dark clouds surround him;

equity and justice are the foundation of his throne.1

97:3 Fire goes before him;

on every side2 it burns up his enemies.

97:4 His lightning bolts light up the world;

the earth sees and trembles.

97:5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,

before the Lord of the whole earth.

97:6 The sky declares his justice,

and all the nations see his splendor.

97:7 All who worship idols are ashamed,

those who boast about worthless idols.

All the gods bow down before him.3

97:8 Zion hears and rejoices,

the towns4 of Judah are happy,

because of your judgments, O Lord.

97:9 For you, O Lord, are the sovereign king5 over the whole earth;

you are elevated high above all gods.

97:10 You who love the Lord, hate evil!

He protects6 the lives of his faithful followers;

he delivers them from the power7 of the wicked.

97:11 The godly bask in the light;

the morally upright experience joy.8

97:12 You godly ones, rejoice in the Lord!

Give thanks to his holy name.9