Psalms 97

The Majestic King

1 The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice;

let the many coasts and islands be glad.  * 97:1 Ps 93:1; 96:10

2 Clouds and total darkness surround him;

righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.  * 97:2 Dt 4:11; 5:20; Ps 18:11

3 Fire goes before him

and burns up his foes on every side.  * 97:3 Ps 18:8; 50:3

4 His lightning lights up the world;

the earth sees and trembles.  * 97:4 Ex 19:16; Ps 77:18

5 The mountains melt like wax

at the presence of the  Lord  —

at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.  * 97:5 Neh 1:5; Mc 1:4

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness;  * 97:6 Ps 50:6

all the peoples see his glory.  * 97:6 Is 40:5; 66:18

7 All who serve carved images,

those who boast in worthless idols, will be put to shame.  * 97:7 Is 44:9,11; Jr 10:14; 50:2

All the gods  * 97:7 LXX, Syr read All his angels; Heb 1:6 must worship him.  * 97:7 Heb 1:6

8 Zion hears and is glad,

Judah’s villages  * 97:8 Lit daughters rejoice

because of your judgments,  Lord.  * 97:8 Ps 48:11; Zph 3:14

9 For you, Lord,

are the Most High over the whole earth;

you are exalted above all the gods.  * 97:9 1Ch 16:25; Ps 95:3; 96:4

10 You who love the  Lord, hate evil!  * 97:10 Am 5:15

He protects the lives of his faithful ones;  * 97:10 Ps 145:20

he rescues them from the power of the wicked.  * 97:10 Ps 37:40

11 Light dawns  * 97:11 One Hb ms, LXX, some ancient versions read rises to shine; Ps 112:4,* 97:11 Lit Light is sown for the righteous,

gladness for the upright in heart.  * 97:11 Ps 112:4; Pr 4:18

12 Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones,

and give thanks to his holy name.  * 97:12 Lit to the memory of his holiness,* 97:12 Ps 30:4; 32:11