Psalms 97

1 The Lord reigneth: let the earth be glad; let the multitude of isles rejoice.

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

2 Clouds and thick darkness are round about him: righteousness and justice are the support of his throne.

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

3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up round about his adversaries.

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

4 His lightnings give light to the world: the earth seeth it, and trembleth.

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

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

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

6 The heavens tell of his righteousness, and all the people his glory.

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

7 Made ashamed shall be all that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: unto him bow down all the 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 heareth it, and rejoiceth; and glad are the daughters of Judah, because of thy decrees, O Lord.

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

9 For thou, O Lord, art the most high above all the earth: thou art greatly exalted above all gods.

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

10 Ye that love the Lord, hate ye the evil: he preserveth the souls of his pious ones; out of the hand of the wicked he ever delivereth them.

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 is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.

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

12 Rejoice, ye righteous, in the Lord, and give thanks to his holy memorial.

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