PSALM 97

THE MAJESTIC KING 

1  The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice ; let the many coasts and islands be glad. 

2  Clouds and total darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 

3  Fire goes before him  and burns up his foes on every side. 

4  His lightning lights up the world ; the earth sees and trembles. 

5  The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord —  at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 

6  The heavens proclaim his righteousness ; all the peoples see his glory. 

7  All who serve carved images, those who boast in worthless idols, will be put to shame. All the gods must worship him. 

8  Zion hears and is glad, Judah’s villages rejoice because of your judgments, Lord. 

9  For you, Lord, are the Most High over the whole earth; you are exalted above all the gods. 

10  You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his faithful ones; he rescues them from the power of the wicked. 

11  Light dawns for the righteous, gladness for the upright in heart. 

12  Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks to his holy name.