Psalm 97 (BSB)

Let the Earth Rejoice

1The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;

let the distant shores be glad.

2Clouds and darkness surround Him;

righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.

3Fire goes before Him

and consumes His foes on every side.

4His lightning illuminates the world;

the earth sees and trembles.

5The mountains melt like wax

at the presence of the Lord,

before the Lord of all the earth.

6The heavens proclaim His righteousness;

all the peoples see His glory.

7All worshipers of images are put to shame —

those who boast in idols.

Worship Him, all you gods!

8Zion hears and rejoices,

and the towns of Judah exult

because of Your judgments, O Lord.

9For You, O Lord, are Most High over all the earth;

You are exalted far above all gods.

10Hate evil, O you who love the Lord!

He preserves the souls of His saints;

He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11Light shines97:11 One Hebrew manuscript, LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts Light is sown on the righteous,

gladness on the upright in heart.

12Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones,

and praise His holy name.

Understand Psalm 97

A verse-by-verse study of Psalm 97: what the chapter is doing, and what three commentaries say about it. Written to be readable if this is new to you.

Read the Psalm 97 commentary