Psalm 97

Psalm 97

1 The LORD is king!
Let the earth rejoice!
Let the farthest coastlands be glad.2 Dark clouds surround him.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.3 Fire spreads ahead of him
and burns up all his foes.4 His lightning flashes out across the world.
The earth sees and trembles.5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness;
every nation sees his glory.7 Those who worship idols are disgraced—
all who brag about their worthless gods—
for every god must bow to him.8 Jerusalemt has heard and rejoiced,
and all the towns of Judah are glad
because of your justice, O LORD!9 For you, O LORD, are supreme over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.10 You who love the LORD, hate evil!
He protects the lives of his godly people
and rescues them from the power of the wicked.11 Light shines on the godly,
and joy on those whose hearts are right.12 May all who are godly rejoice in the LORD
and praise his holy name!

PSALMS 97

The [Lord] Brings Justice

1 The [Lord] is King!
Tell the earth to celebrate
and all islands to shout.

2 Dark clouds surround him,
and his throne is supported
by justice and fairness.

3 Fire leaps from his throne,
destroying his enemies,

4 and his lightning is so bright
that the earth sees it
and trembles.

5 Mountains melt away like wax
in the presence of the [Lord]
of all the earth.

6 The heavens announce,
“The [Lord] brings justice!”
Everyone sees God's glory.

7 Those who brag about
the useless idols they worship
are terribly ashamed,
and all the false gods
bow down to the [Lord].

8 When the people of Zion
and of the towns of Judah
hear that God brings justice,
they will celebrate.

9 The [Lord] rules the whole earth,
and he is more glorious
than all the false gods.

10 Love the [Lord]
and hate evil!
God protects his loyal people
and rescues them
from violence.

11 If you obey and do right,
a light will show you the way
and fill you with happiness.

12 You are the [Lord]'s people!
So celebrate and praise
the only God.