Psalm 97 Common English Bible

Psalm 97

97 The Lord rules! Let the earth rejoice!
    Let all the islands celebrate!
²Clouds and thick darkness surround God.
    His throne is built on righteousness and justice.
³Fire proceeds before him,
    burning up his enemies on every side.
⁴His lightning lights up the world;
    the earth sees it and trembles!
⁵The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
    before the Lord of the whole world!

⁶Heaven has proclaimed God’s righteousness,
    and all nations have seen his glory.
⁷All those who worship images,
    those who are proud of idols,
    are put to shame.
    All gods bow down to the Lord!
⁸Zion has heard and celebrates,
    the towns^[a] of Judah rejoice,
    because of your acts of justice, Lord,
⁹    because you, Lord, are the Most High
        over all the earth,
    because you are so superior to all other gods.

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