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Yahweh’s Glorious Reign

97 Yahweh is king! Let the earth rejoice;
let many coastlands be glad.
Cloud and thick darkness are surrounding him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him,
and devours his enemies round about.
His lightnings light the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh,
at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens declare his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
Let all who serve an image be ashamed,
those who boast about idols.[a]
Worship him, all you gods.
Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Yahweh.
For you, O Yahweh, are most high over all the earth.
You are highly[b] exalted above all gods.
10 You who love Yahweh, hate evil.
He protects the lives of his faithful;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name.[c]

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 97:7 This word for idols suggests something worthless or insignificant
  2. Psalm 97:9 Hebrew “very”
  3. Psalm 97:12 Literally “to his holy remembrance” or “to his memorable holiness”

Psalm 97

97 The Lord rules! Let the earth rejoice!
    Let all the islands celebrate!
Clouds and thick darkness surround God.
    His throne is built on righteousness and justice.
Fire proceeds before him,
    burning up his enemies on every side.
His lightning lights up the world;
    the earth sees it and trembles!
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
    before the Lord of the whole world!

Heaven has proclaimed God’s righteousness,
    and all nations have seen his glory.
All those who worship images,
    those who are proud of idols,
    are put to shame.
    All gods bow down to the Lord!
Zion has heard and celebrates,
    the towns[a] of Judah rejoice,
    because of your acts of justice, Lord,
    because you, Lord, are the Most High
        over all the earth,
    because you are so superior to all other gods.

10 Those of you who love the Lord, hate evil!
    God guards the lives of his faithful ones,
    delivering them from the power of the wicked.
11 Light is planted like seed for the righteous person;
    joy too for those whose heart is right.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, righteous ones!
    Give thanks to his holy name!

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 97:8 Or daughters