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Psalm 97

The Lord reigns

The Lord reigns; let earth rejoice; clouds and darkness surround him; a fire burns up his enemies; his lightnings enlighten the world; light is sown for the righteous.

12 verses. The 97th of 150 chapters in Psalms, in Poetry and Wisdom.

1The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!

2Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3A fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries on every side.

4His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles.

5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6The heavens declare his righteousness. All the peoples have seen his glory.

7Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images, who boast in their idols. Worship him, all you gods!

8Zion heard and was glad. The daughters of Judah rejoiced because of your judgments, LORD.

9For you, LORD, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.

10You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.

11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

12Be glad in the LORD, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.

Matthew Henry on Psalm 97

2,987 words, in 2 passages.

  1. Verses 1–7Righteousness and Glory of the Divine Government; Establishment of Christ's Kingdom.
  2. Verses 8–12Zion Rejoicing in the Reign of Christ.

World English Bible. Public domain. Set as prose throughout, including the poetry, because the text is published to us without its lines.