Psalm 97

The Lord Reigns

1. The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; 1 let the many coastlands be glad!

2. Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; 2 righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3. Fire goes before him 3 and burns up his adversaries all around.

4. His lightnings light up the world; 4 the earth sees and trembles.

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

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

7. All worshipers of images are put to shame, 7 who make their boast in worthless idols; 7 worship him, all you gods!

8. Zion hears and is glad, 8 and the daughters of Judah rejoice, 8 because of your judgments, O Lord.

9. For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; 9 you are exalted far above all gods.

10. O you who love the Lord, hate evil! 10 He preserves the lives of his saints; 10 he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11. Light is sown[a] for the righteous, 11 and joy for the upright in heart.

12. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, 12 and give thanks to his holy name!

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 97:11: Most Hebrew manuscripts; one Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome Light dawns