THE LORD REIGNS

Psalm 97:1-12 / Keywords 97:1

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.

 97:1 The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;

    let the distant shores rejoice.

2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him;

    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 Fire goes before him

    and consumes his foes on every side.

4 His lightning lights up the world;

    the earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,

    before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,

    and all peoples see his glory.

7 All who worship images are put to shame,

    those who boast in idols—

    worship him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and rejoices

    and the villages of Judah are glad

    because of your judgments, Lord.

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

    you are exalted far above all gods.

10 Let 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.

11 Light shines[a] on the righteous

    and joy on the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,

    and praise his holy name.

Footnotes

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

1. The LORD is the sovereign ruler. This brings us true joy. When we consider his awesome revelation, then we are brought to see his glory. The LORD is holy. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. All his enemies will be consumed by fire. His lightning lights up the whole world, exposing all darkness. All people of the earth will see his glory. Those who worship false gods must worship the LORD alone.

 

2. This mighty Creator God is the God of Israel. He is the judge and deliverer—the guardian of his chosen ones. His light shines in the hearts of all who are faithful to him. His light not only exposes sin and evil; it also sheds light on the righteous. The LORD plants joy in the hearts of those who live before him. The LORD plants praises on our lips.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for revealing the light of your glory in all the earth. Help me to be upright in heart and praise you.

One Word Praise his holy name