Psalm 97

Dewey Westra, 1931; rev.

1. The LORD our God is King!
   O earth, rejoice in Him!
   All islands, coasts, and ocean,
   Break forth in glad devotion.
   Dark clouds of secrecy
   Enfold His majesty.
   The pillars of His throne
   Are righteousness alone
   And perfect equity.
   
2. Consuming flames deploy
   Before Him, to destroy
   His foemen round about Him
   Who vainly seek to flout Him.
   His lightning bolts, when hurled,
   Enlighten all the world;
   Earth sees and quakes with fear
   To see His wrath appear
   And thunderous clouds unfurled.
   
3. The hills, as wax by fire,
   All melt before His ire,
   When God on His creation
   Pours flaming indignation.
   The heavens in awe express
   His perfect righteousness.
   Let all the nations see
   His glorious majesty,
   His royal power confess.
   
4. To shame are put all they
   Who in their folly pray
   To idols, man’s creation,
   And worthless for salvation.
   The LORD we bring our laud,
   For He alone is God!
   Come, all you gods, draw near,
   Bow down to Him in fear,
   By His dominion awed.
   
5. O Zion, lift your voice,
   Within your gates rejoice!
   Thy judgments, LORD, so glorious,
   Made Judah all victorious.
   Her daughters sing with mirth,
   For high above the earth,
   Thou, who art God alone,
   Hast made Thyself a throne
   And magnified Thy worth.
   
6. The LORD shows love to him
   Who hates and flees from sin.
   His saints the LORD will ever
   From wicked men deliver.
   Behold, both joy and light
   Will dawn for the upright.
   Thank Him with heart and voice,
   In His great Name rejoice,
   And glory in His might.