Psalms 97

1 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!]

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

2 There are very dark clouds around him [to hide him]; he rules [MTY] righteously/justly and fairly.

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

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

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

4 All around the world he causes lightning to flash; [people on] the earth see it, and it causes them to [be afraid and] tremble.

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

5 The mountains/hills melt like wax in front of Yahweh, the one who is the Lord, [who rules] over all the earth.

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

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

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

7 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.

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

8 [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].

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

9 Yahweh is the supreme [king] over all the earth; he has very great power, and all the [other] gods have no power at all.

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

10 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].

You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.

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

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

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

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