1THE LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles and coastlands be glad!
2Clouds and darkness are round about Him [as at Sinai]; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. [Exod. 19:9.]
3Fire goes before Him and burns up His adversaries round about.
4His lightnings illumine the world; the earth sees and trembles.
5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.
7Let all those be put to shame who serve graven images, who boast in idols. Fall prostrate before Him, all you gods. [Heb. 1:6.]
8Zion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoiced [in relief] because of Your judgments, O Lord.
9For You, Lord, are high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.
10O you who love the Lord, hate evil; He preserves the lives of His saints (the children of God), He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. [Rom. 8:13-17.]
11Light is sown for the [uncompromisingly] righteous and strewn along their pathway, and joy for the upright in heart [the irrepressible joy which comes from consciousness of His favor and protection].
12Rejoice in the Lord, you [consistently] righteous (upright and in right standing with God), and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.