Psalm 97

The LORD'S Power And Dominion.

1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands and coastlands be glad. 2Clouds and thick darkness surround Him [as at Sinai];
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. 3Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries on all sides. 4His lightnings have illuminated the world;
The earth has seen and trembled. 5The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD,
At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6The heavens declare His righteousness,
And all the peoples see His glory and brilliance. 7Let all those be [deeply] ashamed who serve carved images,
Who boast in idols.
Worship Him, all you gods! 8Zion heard this and was glad,
And the daughters (cities) of Judah rejoiced [in relief]
Because of Your judgments, O LORD. 9For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods. 10You who love the LORD, hate evil;
He protects the souls of His godly ones (believers),
He rescues them from the hand of the wicked. 11Light is sown [like seed] for the righteous and illuminates their path,
And [irrepressible] joy [is spread] for the upright in heart [who delight in His favor and protection]. 12Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones [those whose moral and spiritual integrity places them in right standing with God],
And praise and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.