Psalm 97
1The Lord rules. Let the earth be glad.
Let countries that are far away be full of joy.
2Clouds and thick darkness surround him.
His rule is built on what is right and fair.
3The Lord sends fire ahead of him.
It burns up his enemies all around him.
4His lightning lights up the world.
The earth sees it and trembles.
5The mountains melt like wax when the Lord is near.
He is the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens announce that what he does is right.
All people everywhere see his glory.
7All who worship statues of gods or brag about them are put to shame.
All you gods, worship the Lord!
8Zion hears about it and is filled with joy.
Lord, the villages of Judah are glad
because of how you judge.
9Lord, you are the Most High God.
You rule over the whole earth.
You are honored much more than all gods.
10Let those who love the Lord hate evil.
He guards the lives of those who are faithful to him.
He saves them from the power of sinful people.
11Good things come to those who do what is right.
Joy comes to those whose hearts are honest.
12You who are godly, be glad because of what the Lord has done.
Praise him, because his name is holy.
Psalm 97
1The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
2Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.
4His lightning lights 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 peoples see his glory.
7All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols –
worship him, all you gods!
8Zion hears and rejoices
and the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments, Lord.
9For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
10Let those who love the Lord hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11Light shines97:11 One Hebrew manuscript and ancient versions (see also 112:4); most Hebrew manuscripts Light is sown on the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
12Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.
