Psalm 97 - The Earth Rejoices at God's Reign
Fire, lightning, and melting hills mark this vision of God's kingship.
Psalm 97 pictures God's reign in dramatic natural imagery, 'a fire goeth before him,' 'the hills melted like wax,' continuing the enthronement theme begun in Psalms 96 with the declaration 'the LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice.'
Yahweh reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!
Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
A fire goes before him, And burns up his adversaries on every side.
His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The heavens declare his righteousness. All the peoples have seen his glory.
Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images, Who boast in their idols. Worship him, all you gods!
Zion heard and was glad. The daughters of Judah rejoiced, Because of your judgments, Yahweh.
For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.
You who love Yahweh, hate evil. He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart.
Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.