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A Hymn About the Lord’s Power

97 The Lord ·is king [reigns; 47:2; 93:1; 96:10; 98:6; 99:1; Rev. 19:6]. Let the earth rejoice;
    ·faraway lands [or islands; or coastlands] should be glad.
Thick, dark clouds surround him.
    His ·kingdom [L throne] is ·built [established] on ·what is right [righteousness] and ·fair [justice].
A fire goes before him
    and ·burns up [flames] his enemies all around.
His lightning ·lights up [illuminates] the world;
    when the ·people [earth] see it, they ·tremble [writhe].
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
    before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens ·tell about [declare] his ·goodness [righteousness],
    and all the people see his glory [C his manifest presence].

Those who ·worship [serve] idols should be ·ashamed [embarrassed; Is. 42:17; 45:16];
    they brag about their ·gods [worthless things].
    All the gods should ·worship [bow down to] the Lord.
When ·Jerusalem [L Zion; C the location of the Temple] hears this, she is glad,
    and the ·towns [L daughters] of Judah rejoice.
    They are happy because of your judgments, Lord.
You are the Lord Most High over all the earth;
    you are ·supreme [exalted] over all gods.

10 People who love the Lord hate evil.
    The Lord ·watches over [keeps; guards] ·those who follow him [his loyal ones/saints]
    and ·frees [rescues] them from the ·power [L hand] of the wicked.
11 Light ·shines [L is sown] on ·those who do right [the righteous];
    joy belongs to those who are ·honest [L virtuous/upright in heart].
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you who ·do right [are righteous].
    Praise his ·holy name [or unforgettable holiness].

Psalm 97

The Lord reigns,(A) let the earth be glad;(B)
    let the distant shores(C) rejoice.
Clouds(D) and thick darkness(E) surround him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.(F)
Fire(G) goes before(H) him
    and consumes(I) his foes on every side.
His lightning(J) lights up the world;
    the earth(K) sees and trembles.(L)
The mountains melt(M) like wax(N) before the Lord,
    before the Lord of all the earth.(O)
The heavens proclaim his righteousness,(P)
    and all peoples see his glory.(Q)

All who worship images(R) are put to shame,(S)
    those who boast in idols(T)
    worship him,(U) all you gods!(V)

Zion hears and rejoices
    and the villages of Judah are glad(W)
    because of your judgments,(X) Lord.
For you, Lord, are the Most High(Y) over all the earth;(Z)
    you are exalted(AA) far above all gods.
10 Let those who love the Lord hate evil,(AB)
    for he guards(AC) the lives of his faithful ones(AD)
    and delivers(AE) them from the hand of the wicked.(AF)
11 Light shines[a](AG) on the righteous(AH)
    and joy on the upright in heart.(AI)
12 Rejoice in the Lord,(AJ) you who are righteous,
    and praise his holy name.(AK)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 97:11 One Hebrew manuscript and ancient versions (see also 112:4); most Hebrew manuscripts Light is sown