97:1 The LORD ①reigns, may the earth rejoice;
May the many ②islands be joyful.
▷ ①Or has assumed Kingship ②Or coastlands
97:2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
97:3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His enemies all around.
97:4 His lightning lit up the world;
The earth saw it and trembled.
97:5 The mountains 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 have seen His glory.
97:7 May all those be ashamed who serve carved images,
Who boast in idols;
①Worship Him, all you ②gods.
▷ ①Or All the gods have worshiped Him ②Or supernatural powers
97:8 Zion ①heard this and was joyful,
And the daughters of Judah have rejoiced
Because of Your judgments, LORD.
▷ ①Or possibly hears and is glad
97:9 For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth;
You are exalted far above all ①gods.
▷ ①Or supernatural powers
97:10 Hate evil, you who love the LORD,
Who watches over the souls of His godly ones;
He saves them from the hand of the wicked.
97:11 Light is sown like seed for the righteous,
And gladness for the upright in heart.
97:12 Be joyful in the LORD, you righteous ones,
And praise ①the mention of His holy name.
▷ ①Lit for the memory of His holiness