Psalm 97

The Majestic King

1 The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice;
let the many coasts and islands be glad.(A)

2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.(B)
3 Fire goes before Him
and burns up His foes on every side.(C)
4 His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.(D)
5 The mountains melt like wax
at the presence of the Lord—
at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.(E)

6 The heavens proclaim His righteousness;(F)
all the peoples see His glory.(G)

7 All who serve carved images,
those who boast in idols, will be put to shame.(H)
All the gods[a] must worship Him.(I)

8 Zion hears and is glad,
and the towns[b] of Judah rejoice
because of Your judgments, Lord.(J)
9 For You, Lord,
are the Most High over all the earth;
You are exalted above all the gods.(K)

10 You who love the Lord, hate evil!(L)
He protects the lives of His godly ones;(M)
He rescues them from the power of the wicked.(N)
11 Light dawns[c][d] for the righteous,
gladness for the upright in heart.(O)
12 Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous ones,
and praise His holy name.[e](P)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 97:7 LXX, Syr read All His angels; Heb 1:6
  2. Psalm 97:8 Lit daughters
  3. Psalm 97:11 One Hb ms, LXX, some ancient versions read rises to shine; Ps 112:4
  4. Psalm 97:11 Lit Light is sown
  5. Psalm 97:12 Or memory, of His holiness; lit praise the mention

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