Psalms 97
1 Jehovah reigneth: let the earth be glad, let the many isles 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 darkness are round about him; righteousness and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
There are very dark clouds around him [to hide him]; he rules [MTY] righteously/justly and fairly.
3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his adversaries round about.
He [sends] fire in front of him, and he completely burns all his enemies in that fire.
4 His lightnings lightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
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 melted like wax at the presence of Jehovah, at the presence of the Lord of the whole 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 declare his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
The [angels in] [MTY] heaven proclaim that he acts righteously, and all the people-groups see his glory.
7 Ashamed be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols. Worship him, all ye gods.
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 rejoiced; and the daughters of Judah were glad, because of thy judgments, O Jehovah.
[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 thou, Jehovah, art the Most High above all the earth; thou art exalted exceedingly 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 Ye that love Jehovah, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints, he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
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 Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
His light shines on righteous [people]; he causes those who are righteous to rejoice.
12 Rejoice in Jehovah, ye righteous; and give thanks in remembrance of his holiness.
You righteous [people], rejoice about what Yahweh [has done], and thank him, our holy God!
