Psalm 97

This psalm is of the same strain with the preceding; and contains, (1.) Solemn calls to the Gentile nations to rejoice at the equity and extent of Jesus' new-testament kingdom, and at the destruction of hardened Jews and heathen idolaters, occasioned by the establishment thereof, ver. 1-7. (2.) Representations of the pure and holy joy of the saints, on account of Jesus' highness, and the glory of God manifested therein, and of the care taken for their safety and comfort, ver. 8-12. Join the choir, O my soul. Sing praises to thy King; sing praises with understanding. 1 God reigneth, let the earth be glad, and isles rejoice each one. 2 Dark clouds him compass; and in right with judgment dwells his throne. 3 Fire goes before him, and his foes it burns up round about: 4 His lightnings lighten did the world; earth saw, and shook throughout. 5 Hills at the presence of the Lord, like wax, did melt away; Ev'n at the presence of the Lord of all the earth, I say. 6 The heav'ns declare his righteousness, all men his glory see. 7 All who serve graven images, confounded let them be. Who do of idols boast themselves, let shame upon them fall: Ye that are called gods, see that ye do him worship all. 8 Sion did hear, and joyful was, glad Judah's daughters were; They much rejoic'd, O Lord, because thy judgments did appear. 9 For thou, O Lord, art high above all things on earth that are; Above all other gods thou art exalted very far. 10 Hate ill, all ye that love the Lord: his saints' souls keepeth he; And from the hands of wicked men he sets them safe and free. 11 For all those that be righteous sown is a joyful light, And gladness sown is for all those that are in heart upright. 12 Ye righteous, in the Lord rejoice; express your thankfulness, When ye into your memory do call his holiness.