Psalms 97

1 The Lord reigns! Let the earth be glad, and distant lands be full of joy!

This is to David, when his land was restored to him. The Lord has reigned, let the earth exult. Let the many islands rejoice.

2 He is surrounded by clouds and thick darkness; his throne is founded on justice and right.

Clouds and mist are all around him. Justice and judgment are corrections from his throne.

3 Flames proceed him, burning up his enemies on every side.

A fire will precede him, and it will enflame his enemies all around.

4 His flashes of lightning light up the world; the earth watches and trembles.

His lightnings have enlightened the whole world. The earth saw, and it was shaken.

5 The mountains melt like wax in the presence of the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.

The mountains flowed like wax before the face of the Lord, before the face of the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his goodness; everyone sees his glory.

The heavens announced his justice, and all peoples saw his glory.

7 All those who worship idols are humiliated, those who are proud of their idols—for all “gods” bow down before him.

May all those who adore graven images be confounded, along with those who glory in their false images. All you his Angels: Adore him.

8 Jerusalem hears this and celebrates; all the towns of Judah are happy because of your judgments, Lord.

Zion heard, and was glad. And the daughters of Judah exulted because of your judgments, O Lord.

9 For you, Lord, are the highest of all, ruling over the whole earth; your position is far above any other god.

For you are the Most High Lord over all the earth. You are greatly exalted above all gods.

10 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of those who are faithful to him, and saves them from the power of wicked people.

You who love the Lord: hate evil. The Lord watches over the souls of his holy ones. He will free them from the hand of the sinner.

11 Light shines on those who do good, giving joy to those who live right.

The light has risen for the just, and joy for the upright of heart.

12 Be happy in the Lord, you who do right, and thank him for his holy nature!

Rejoice in the Lord, you just ones, and confess to the memory of his sanctuary.