Psalm 97

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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