Psalm 97 proclaims that God is above all other gods. To our ears, this may seem an odd declaration, but surrounded by polytheistic cultures, the Psalmists took great pains to differentiate Israel’s God from the many neighboring gods of sea, harvest, and fire. Here, the point is made by portraying God as a mysterious, all-powerful deity before whom mountains melt like wax. It’s pretty awesome stuff, really.
To capture the spirit of Psalm 97 musically, I used an angular harmonic style that never comes to rest. Is it in the key of E minor? A minor? I still can’t decide! The chorus has lots of dissonance, and the verses use stacked fourths that give it a raw, energetic sound that feels just right for the lyrics.
1. The Lord God reigns,
let all the earth be glad;
let every shore rejoice.
Darkened clouds surround him
to shield frail human eyes.
Fire flames before him;
the wicked run and hide.
Lightning flashes, mountains melt
like wax before the fire.
Glory rings throughout the heavens
to praise the Lord on high.
2. Your people hear,
let all God’s children sing;
let every voice resound.
God, you are exalted
beyond all other gods.
Earthly powers tremble
before your righteous throne.
Those inside your love
know only kindness and delight.
Joyous hearts are beating,
and our eyes are filled with light.
3. Rejoice in God,
let all God’s people sing;
let every tongue rejoice.