Psalms 97

The Glory of God's Reign

¹The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice;

let the many coastlands be glad!

²Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;

righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

³Fire goes before him,

and consumes his adversaries on every side.

⁴His lightnings light up the world;

the earth sees and trembles.

⁵The mountains melt like wax before the Lord ,

before the Lord of all the earth.

⁶The heavens proclaim his righteousness;

and all the peoples behold his glory.

⁷All worshipers of images are put to shame,

those who make their boast in worthless idols;

all gods bow down before him.

⁸Zion hears and is glad,

and the towns of Judah rejoice,

because of your judgments, O God.

⁹For you, O Lord , are most high over all the earth;

you are exalted far above all gods.

¹⁰The Lord loves those who hate evil;[#97.10 Cn: Heb]

he guards the lives of his faithful;

he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.

¹¹Light dawns for the righteous,[#97.11 Gk Syr Jerome: Heb]

and joy for the upright in heart.

¹²Rejoice in the Lord , O you righteous,

and give thanks to his holy name!