Psalms 97

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

The Lord is King, let the earth have joy; let all the sea-lands be glad.

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

Dark clouds are round him; his kingdom is based on righteousness and right judging.

3 A fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries on every side.

Fire goes before him, burning up all those who are against him round about.

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

His bright flames give light to the world; the earth saw it with fear.

5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

The mountains became like wax at the coming of the Lord, at the coming of the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens declare his righteousness. All the peoples have seen his glory.

The heavens gave out the news of his righteousness, and all the people saw his glory.

7 Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images, who boast in their idols. Worship him, all you gods.

Shamed be all those who give worship to images, and take pride in false gods; give him worship, all you gods.

8 Zion heard and was glad. The daughters of Judah rejoiced, because of your judgments, LORD.

Zion gave ear and was glad; and the daughters of Judah were full of joy, because of your decisions, O Lord.

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

For you, Lord, are most high over the earth; you are lifted up over all other gods.

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.

You who are lovers of the Lord, be haters of evil; he keeps the souls of his saints; he takes them out of the hand of sinners.

11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

Light is shining on the lovers of righteousness, and for the upright in heart there is joy.

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

Be glad in the Lord, you upright men; praising the memory of his holy name.