A Song of Praise to the Sovereign Lord

97 The Lord reigns;Let the earth rejoice;Let the multitude of isles be glad!

² Clouds and darkness surround Him;Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.³ A fire goes before Him,And burns up His enemies round about.⁴ His lightnings light the world;The earth sees and trembles.⁵ The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord,At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.⁶ The heavens declare His righteousness,And all the peoples see His glory.

⁷ Let all be put to shame who serve carved images,Who boast of idols.Worship Him, all you gods.⁸ Zion hears and is glad,And the daughters of Judah rejoiceBecause of Your judgments, O Lord.⁹ For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth;You are exalted far above all gods.

¹⁰ You who love the Lord, hate evil!He preserves the souls of His saints;He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.¹¹ Light is sown for the righteous,And gladness for the upright in heart.¹² Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.^[a]