Psalms 97

1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad.

Yahweh reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad.

2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.

Clouds and darkness surround him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.

Fire goes before him and consumes his adversaries on every side.

4 His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles.

His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

The mountains melt like wax before Yahweh, the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heavens proclaim His righteousness; all the peoples see His glory.

The skies declare his justice, and all the nations see his glory.

7 All worshipers of images are put to shame— those who boast in idols. Worship Him, all you gods!

All those who worship carved figures will be shamed, those who boast in worthless idols— bow down to him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and rejoices, and the towns of Judah exult because of Your judgments, O LORD.

Zion heard and was glad, and the towns of Judah rejoiced because of your righteous decrees, Yahweh.

9 For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.

For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.

10 Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

You who love Yahweh, hate evil! He protects the lives of his saints, and he takes them out of the hand of the wicked.

11 Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart.

Light is sown for the righteous and gladness for those with honest hearts.

12 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones, and praise His holy name.

Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous; and give thanks when you remember his holiness.