Psalms 97

1 The LORD reigns. Let the earth rejoice. Let the multitude of islands be glad.

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 around him. Righteousness and justice 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 goes before him, and burns up his adversaries on every side.

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

4 His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles.

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 melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, 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. All the peoples have seen his glory.

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

7 Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images, who boast in their idols. Worship him, all you 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 was glad. The daughters of Judah rejoiced, because of your judgments, 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, LORD, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far 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. He preserves the souls of his faithful ones. He delivers 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 gladness for the upright in heart.

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

12 Be glad in the LORD, you righteous people. Give thanks to his holy Name.

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