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 is King, let the earth have joy; let all the sea-lands be glad.
2 There are very dark clouds around him [to hide him]; he rules [MTY] righteously/justly and fairly.
Dark clouds are round him; his kingdom is based on righteousness and right judging.
3 He [sends] fire in front of him, and he completely burns all his enemies in that fire.
Fire goes before him, burning up all those who are against him round about.
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 bright flames give light to the world; the earth saw it with fear.
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 became like wax at the coming of the Lord, at the coming of the Lord of all the earth.
6 The [angels in] [MTY] heaven proclaim that he acts righteously, and all the people-groups see his glory.
The heavens gave out the news of his righteousness, and all the people saw 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.
Shamed be all those who give worship to images, and take pride in false gods; give him worship, 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 gave ear and was glad; and the daughters of Judah were full of joy, because of your decisions, O 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 over the earth; you are lifted up over all other 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 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 His light shines on righteous [people]; he causes those who are righteous to rejoice.
Light is shining on the lovers of righteousness, and for the upright in heart there is joy.
12 You righteous [people], rejoice about what Yahweh [has done], and thank him, our holy God!
Be glad in the Lord, you upright men; praising the memory of his holy name.
