Psalm 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 worshippers 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 judgements, 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;
   he guards the lives of his faithful;
   he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
¹¹Light dawns^* for the righteous,
   and joy for the upright in heart.
¹²Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
   and give thanks to his holy name!