97 1 The Prophet exhorteth all to rejoice for the coming of the kingdom of Christ, 7 dreadful to the rebels and idolaters,  8 and joyful to the just, whom he exhorteth to innocency, 12 to rejoicing and thanksgiving.

The [a]Lord reigneth: let the earth rejoice: let the [b]multitude of the Isles be glad.

[c]Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the foundation of his throne.

There shall go a fire before him, and burn up his enemies round about.

His lightnings gave light unto the world: the earth saw it and was [d]afraid.

The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

[e]Confounded be all they that serve graven images, and that glory in idols: worship him [f]all ye gods.

Zion heard of it, and was glad: and the [g]daughters of Judah rejoiced, because of thy judgments, O Lord.

For thou, Lord, art most High above all the earth: thou art much exalted above all gods.

10 Ye that [h]love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his Saints: he will deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

11 [i]Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice ye righteous in the Lord, and give thanks for his holy [j]remembrance.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 97:1 He showeth that where God reigneth, there is all felicity, and spiritual joy.
  2. Psalm 97:1 For the Gospel shall not be only preached in Judea, but through all isles and countries.
  3. Psalm 97:2 He is thus described to keep his enemies in fear, which commonly contemn God’s power.
  4. Psalm 97:4 This fear bringeth not the wicked to true obedience, but maketh them to run away from God.
  5. Psalm 97:7 He signifieth that God’s judgments are in a readiness to destroy the idolaters.
  6. Psalm 97:7 Let all that which is esteemed in the world fall down before him.
  7. Psalm 97:8 The Jews shall have occasion to rejoice, that the Gentiles are made partakers with them of God’s favor.
  8. Psalm 97:10 He requireth two things of his children: the one that they detest vice, the other, that they put their trust in God for their deliverance.
  9. Psalm 97:11 Though God’s deliverance appear not suddenly, yet it is sown and laid up in store for them.
  10. Psalm 97:12 Be mindful of his benefits and only trust in his defense.

Psalm 97

The Lord reigns,(A) let the earth be glad;(B)
    let the distant shores(C) rejoice.
Clouds(D) and thick darkness(E) surround him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.(F)
Fire(G) goes before(H) him
    and consumes(I) his foes on every side.
His lightning(J) lights up the world;
    the earth(K) sees and trembles.(L)
The mountains melt(M) like wax(N) before the Lord,
    before the Lord of all the earth.(O)
The heavens proclaim his righteousness,(P)
    and all peoples see his glory.(Q)

All who worship images(R) are put to shame,(S)
    those who boast in idols(T)
    worship him,(U) all you gods!(V)

Zion hears and rejoices
    and the villages of Judah are glad(W)
    because of your judgments,(X) Lord.
For you, Lord, are the Most High(Y) over all the earth;(Z)
    you are exalted(AA) far above all gods.
10 Let those who love the Lord hate evil,(AB)
    for he guards(AC) the lives of his faithful ones(AD)
    and delivers(AE) them from the hand of the wicked.(AF)
11 Light shines[a](AG) on the righteous(AH)
    and joy on the upright in heart.(AI)
12 Rejoice in the Lord,(AJ) you who are righteous,
    and praise his holy name.(AK)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 97:11 One Hebrew manuscript and ancient versions (see also 112:4); most Hebrew manuscripts Light is sown