Psalms 97

1 This is to David, when his land was restored to him. The Lord has reigned, let the earth exult. Let the many islands rejoice.

Yahweh is the king! I want [everyone on] the earth to be glad/happy, and the [people who live on] the islands in the oceans to [also] rejoice [about that!]

2 Clouds and mist are all around him. Justice and judgment are corrections from his throne.

There are very dark clouds around him [to hide him]; he rules [MTY] righteously/justly and fairly.

3 A fire will precede him, and it will enflame his enemies all around.

He [sends] fire in front of him, and he completely burns all his enemies in that fire.

4 His lightnings have enlightened the whole world. The earth saw, and it was shaken.

All around the world he causes lightning to flash; [people on] the earth see it, and it causes them to [be afraid and] tremble.

5 The mountains flowed like wax before the face of the Lord, before the face of the Lord of all the earth.

The mountains/hills melt like wax in front of Yahweh, the one who is the Lord, [who rules] over all the earth.

6 The heavens announced his justice, and all peoples saw his glory.

The [angels in] [MTY] heaven proclaim that he acts righteously, and all the people-groups see his glory.

7 May all those who adore graven images be confounded, along with those who glory in their false images. All you his Angels: Adore him.

Everyone who worships idols should be ashamed; all those who are proud of their false gods [should realize that their gods are useless], [It is as though] all those gods bow down [to worship] Yahweh.

8 Zion heard, and was glad. And the daughters of Judah exulted because of your judgments, O Lord.

[The people] [MTY] of Jerusalem hear [about Yahweh] and are glad/happy, and [people in the other] [MTY] cities in Judah [also] rejoice, because Yahweh judges [and punishes wicked people].

9 For you are the Most High Lord over all the earth. You are greatly exalted above all gods.

Yahweh is the supreme [king] over all the earth; he has very great power, and all the [other] gods have no power at all.

10 You who love the Lord: hate evil. The Lord watches over the souls of his holy ones. He will free them from the hand of the sinner.

Yahweh loves those who hate what [people do that] is evil; he protects the lives of his people, and he rescues them when the wicked [people try to harm them].

11 The light has risen for the just, and joy for the upright of heart.

His light shines on righteous [people]; he causes those who are righteous to rejoice.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, you just ones, and confess to the memory of his sanctuary.

You righteous [people], rejoice about what Yahweh [has done], and thank him, our holy God!