Psalm 97

The Majestic King

1   The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice;

let the many coasts and islands be glad. m

2   Clouds and total darkness surround him;

righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. n

3   Fire goes before him

and burns up his foes on every side. o

4   His lightning lights up the world;

the earth sees and trembles. p

5   The mountains melt like wax

at the presence of the LORD—

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

6   The heavens proclaim his righteousness; r

all the peoples see his glory. s

7   All who serve carved images,

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

All the gods X must worship him. u

8   Zion hears and is glad,

Judah’s villages Y rejoice

because of your judgments, LORD. v

9   For you, LORD,

are the Most High over the whole earth;

you are exalted above all the gods. w

10   You who love the LORD, hate evil! x

He protects the lives of his faithful ones; y

he rescues them from the power of the wicked. z

11   Light dawns Z,A for the righteous,

gladness for the upright in heart. a

12   Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones,

and give thanks to his holy name. B,b