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!]

This is to David, when his land was restored to him. The Lord has reigned, let the earth exult. Let the many islands rejoice.

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

Clouds and mist are all around him. Justice and judgment are corrections from his throne.

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

A fire will precede him, and it will enflame his enemies all around.

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 lightnings have enlightened the whole world. The earth saw, and it was shaken.

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 flowed like wax before the face of the Lord, before the face 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 announced his justice, and all peoples 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.

May all those who adore graven images be confounded, along with those who glory in their false images. All you his Angels: Adore him.

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. And the daughters of Judah exulted because of your judgments, 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 are the Most High Lord over all the earth. You are greatly exalted 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. The Lord watches over the souls of his holy ones. He will free them from the hand of the sinner.

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

The light has risen for the just, and joy for the upright of heart.

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

Rejoice in the Lord, you just ones, and confess to the memory of his sanctuary.