Psalms 97
1 The Lord reigns! Let the earth be glad, and distant lands be full of joy!
Yahweh reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad.
2 He is surrounded by clouds and thick darkness; his throne is founded on justice and right.
Clouds and darkness surround him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Flames proceed him, burning up his enemies on every side.
Fire goes before him and consumes his adversaries on every side.
4 His flashes of lightning light up the world; the earth watches and trembles.
His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax in 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 goodness; everyone sees his glory.
The skies declare his justice, and all the nations see his glory.
7 All those who worship idols are humiliated, those who are proud of their idols—for all “gods” bow down before him.
All those who worship carved figures will be shamed, those who boast in worthless idols— bow down to him, all you gods!
8 Jerusalem hears this and celebrates; all the towns of Judah are happy because of your judgments, Lord.
Zion heard and was glad, and the towns of Judah rejoiced because of your righteous decrees, Yahweh.
9 For you, Lord, are the highest of all, ruling over the whole earth; your position is far above any other god.
For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.
10 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of those who are faithful to him, and saves them from the power of wicked people.
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 those who do good, giving joy to those who live right.
Light is sown for the righteous and gladness for those with honest hearts.
12 Be happy in the Lord, you who do right, and thank him for his holy nature!
Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous; and give thanks when you remember his holiness.
