Psalm 97

The Majestic King

¹The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice;

let the many coasts and islands be glad. ^a

²Clouds and total darkness surround him;

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

³Fire goes before him

and burns up his foes on every side. ^c

⁴His lightning lights up the world;

the earth sees and trembles. ^d

⁵The mountains melt like wax

at the presence of the Lord —

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

⁶The heavens proclaim his righteousness; ^f

all the peoples see his glory. ^g

⁷All who serve carved images,

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

All the gods ⁱ must worship him. ^j

⁸Zion hears and is glad,

Judah’s villages ^k rejoice

because of your judgments, Lord. ^l

⁹For you, Lord,

are the Most High over the whole earth;

you are exalted above all the gods. ^m

¹⁰You who love the Lord, hate evil! ⁿ

He protects the lives of his faithful ones; ^o

he rescues them from the power of the wicked. ^p

¹¹Light dawns ^q,^r for the righteous,

gladness for the upright in heart. ^s

¹²Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones,

and give thanks to his holy name. ^t,^u