1Yahweh reigns!
Let the earth rejoice!
Let the multitude of islands be glad!
2Clouds and darkness are around him.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3A fire goes before him,
and burns up his adversaries on every side.
4His lightning lights up the world.
The earth sees, and trembles.
5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh,
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens declare his righteousness.
All the peoples have seen his glory.
7Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images,
who boast in their idols.
Worship him, all you gods!
8Zion heard and was glad.
The daughters of Judah rejoiced
because of your judgments, Yahweh.
9For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth.
You are exalted far above all gods.
10You who love Yahweh, hate evil!
He preserves the souls of his saints.
He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
11Light is sown for the righteous,
and gladness for the upright in heart.
12Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people!
Give thanks to his holy Name.
At Christ’s incarnation, angels worshiped Him (Luke 2:13-14), fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy, “Let all God’s angels worship Him” (Psalms 97:7).
The title “firstborn” does not refer to birth order, as in the eldest son among many, but rather to Christ’s supremacy over all creation (Col 1:15-16). It also signifies His preeminence in the resurrection, as He is the first to rise in the final resurrection of all souls (Col 1:18)—the guarantee of eternal life for all who believe (John 11:25-26).