Psalm 97
New International Version
Chapter overview
Psalm 97 portrays sovereign rule through storm, fire, lightning, and mountains, humbling idols and false worship. Justice and righteousness support this reign, while light and gladness are sown for faithful hearts.
SovereigntyJusticeIdolsJoy
1The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.
2Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.
4His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.
5The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.
6The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory.
7All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols— worship him, all you gods!
8Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, Lord.
9For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
10Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.
12Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.
New International Version — Licensed through API.Bible, non-commercial use only, no derivatives. Where these translations come from.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Text unchanged, provided through API.Bible.