Psalms 97

Psalm 97#sn Psalm 97. The psalmist depicts the Lord as the sovereign, just king of the world who comes in power to vindicate his people.

1The Lord reigns! Let the earth be happy! Let the many coastlands rejoice!

2Dark clouds surround him; equity and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3Fire goes before him; on every side it burns up his enemies.

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

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

6The sky declares his justice, and all the nations see his splendor.

7All who worship idols are ashamed, those who boast about worthless idols. All the gods bow down before him.

8Zion hears and rejoices, the towns of Judah are happy, because of your judgments, O Lord.

9For you, O Lord, are the sovereign king over the whole earth; you are elevated high above all gods.

10You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his faithful followers; he delivers them from the power of the wicked.

11The godly bask in the light; the morally upright experience joy.

12You godly ones, rejoice in the Lord! Give thanks to his holy name.