Psalms 97:2-12 ▼

2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him [as at Sinai]; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

3 Fire goes before Him And burns up His adversaries on all sides.

4 His lightnings have illuminated the world; The earth has seen and trembled.

5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory and brilliance.

7 Let all those be [deeply] ashamed who serve carved images, Who boast in idols. Worship Him, all you gods!

8 Zion heard this and was glad, And the daughters (cities) of Judah rejoiced [in relief] Because of Your judgments, O LORD.

9 For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.

10 You who love the LORD, hate evil; He protects the souls of His godly ones (believers), He rescues them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light is sown [like seed] for the righteous and illuminates their path, And [irrepressible] joy [is spread] for the upright in heart [who delight in His favor and protection].

12 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones [those whose moral and spiritual integrity places them in right standing with God], And praise and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.