Psalms 97

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

The Lord is king, let the earth rejoice: let her many isles be glad.

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

Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and right are the base of his throne.

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

Fire goes before him, and blazes around his steps,

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

his lightnings illumine the world: the earth quakes at the sight.

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

Mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth.

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

The heavens proclaim his justice, all nations behold his glory.

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

Shamed are all image-worshippers, who make a boast of their idols. All the gods bow before him.

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

Zion is glad at the tidings, the towns of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, 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 most high over all the earth, 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.

The Lord loves those who hate evil, he guards the lives of the faithful: from the hand of the wicked he saves them.

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

Light arises for the righteous, and joy 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: give thanks to his holy name.