1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof .2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.5The hills 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 people see his glory.7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Psalm 97
New International Reader’s Version
1The LORD rules. Let the earth be glad. Let countries that are far away be full of joy.2Clouds and thick darkness surround him. His rule is built on what is right and fair.3The LORD sends fire ahead of him. It burns up his enemies all around him.4His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees it and trembles.5The mountains melt like wax when the LORD is near. He is the Lord of the whole earth.6The heavens announce that what he does is right. All people everywhere see his glory.7All who worship statues of gods or boast about them are put to shame. All you gods, worship the LORD!8Zion hears about it and is filled with joy. LORD, the villages of Judah are glad because of how you judge.9LORD, you are the Most High God. You rule over the whole earth. You are honoured much more than all gods.10Let those who love the LORD hate evil. He guards the lives of those who are faithful to him. He saves them from the power of sinful people.11Good things come to those who do what is right. Joy comes to those whose hearts are honest.12You who are godly, be glad because of what the LORD has done. Praise him, because his name is holy.