Psalm 97

The Majestic King

<1>The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice;

let the many coasts and islands be glad.a

2Clouds and total darkness surround him;

righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.a

3Fire goes before him

and burns up his foes on every side.a

4His lightning lights up the world;

the earth sees and trembles.a

5The mountains melt like wax

at the presence of the Lord —

at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.a

6The heavens proclaim his righteousness;a

all the peoples see his glory.b

7All who serve carved images,

those who boast in worthless idols, will be put to shame.a

All the godsA must worship him.b

8Zion hears and is glad,

Judah’s villagesA rejoice

because of your judgments, Lord.a

9For you, Lord,

are the Most High over the whole earth;

you are exalted above all the gods.a

10You who love the Lord, hate evil!a

He protects the lives of his faithful ones;b

he rescues them from the power of the wicked.c

11Light dawnsa B for the righteous,

gladness for the upright in heart.a

12Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones,

and give thanks to his holy name.a a