97:1 THE LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles {and} coastlands be glad! |
97:2 Clouds and darkness are round about Him [as at Sinai]; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. |
97:3 Fire goes before Him and burns up His adversaries round about. |
97:4 His lightnings illumine the world; the earth sees and trembles. |
97:5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. |
97:6 The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory. |
97:7 Let all those be put to shame who serve graven images, who boast in idols. Fall prostrate before Him, all you gods. |
97:8 Zion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoiced [in relief] because of Your judgments, O Lord. |
97:9 For You, Lord, are high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. |
97:10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil; He preserves the lives of His saints (the children of God), He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. |
97:11 Light is sown for the [uncompromisingly] righteous {and} strewn along their pathway, and joy for the upright in heart [the irrepressible joy which comes from consciousness of His favor and protection]. |
97:12 Rejoice in the Lord, you [consistently] righteous (upright and in right standing with God), and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. |