Psalms 97
1 The Lord reigns! Let the earth be glad, and distant lands be full of joy!
The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
2 He is surrounded by clouds and thick darkness; his throne is founded on justice and right.
Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3 Flames proceed him, burning up his enemies on every side.
A fire goes before him, and burns up his enemies round about.
4 His flashes of lightning light up the world; the earth watches and trembles.
His lightning enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5 The mountains melt like wax in the presence of the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his goodness; everyone sees his glory.
The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7 All those who worship idols are humiliated, those who are proud of their idols—for all “gods” bow down before him.
Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all you gods.
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 rejoiced 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, LORD, are high above all the earth: you are exalted far 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 that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserves the souls of his saints; he delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
11 Light shines on those who do good, giving joy to those who live right.
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Be happy in the Lord, you who do right, and thank him for his holy nature!
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
