The Lord Reigns
Study note
The Lord reigns — let the earth be glad. Clouds and thick darkness surround him. Fire goes before him. His lightning lights up the world. Mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness.
1 The Lord is King! Let the whole earth throw a party! Let every distant shore be filled with joy. The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
2 Thick clouds and deep darkness wrap around him. His throne rests on a solid base of justice and doing what is right. Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3 Fire races ahead of him, burning up his enemies on every side. A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4 His lightning bolts turn the world bright. The earth watches and shakes with fear. His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5 Mountains melt like candle wax when the Lord is near -- the Lord who rules over the entire earth. The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The skies shout out how right he is, and every nation gets a clear view of his glory. The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
Idol Worshippers Put to Shame
Study note
All who worship idols are put to shame. Zion hears and rejoices because of God's judgments. The Lord is exalted far above all gods.
7 Everyone who kneels before carved images should be embarrassed, especially those who brag about worthless statues. Every other god bows down to him. Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
8 Zion hears this and is thrilled! The towns of Judah celebrate because of the way you judge, Lord. Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
9 You, Lord, stand above the whole earth as the Most High. You are lifted up far beyond every other god. For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
Light for the Righteous
Study note
The Lord protects those who love him and rescues them from the wicked. Light is planted like a seed for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord and give thanks to his holy name.
10 If you love the Lord, then hate what is evil! He keeps the lives of his faithful people safe. He pulls them away from the clutches of the wicked. Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11 Light breaks through for those who live right, and happiness fills the hearts of those who are honest. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Find your joy in the Lord, all you who do right, and be thankful whenever you think of his holy name. Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.