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!]
Yahweh reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad.
2 There are very dark clouds around him [to hide him]; he rules [MTY] righteously/justly and fairly.
Clouds and darkness surround 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.
Fire goes before him and consumes 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 before Yahweh, 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 skies declare his justice, and all the nations see 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.
All those who worship carved figures will be shamed, those who boast in worthless idols— bow down to 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, and the towns of Judah rejoiced because of your righteous decrees, Yahweh.
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, Yahweh, 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 Yahweh, hate evil! He protects the lives of his saints, and he takes 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 those with honest hearts.
12 You righteous [people], rejoice about what Yahweh [has done], and thank him, our holy God!
Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous; and give thanks when you remember his holiness.
