Psalms 97

1 The Lord is king, let the earth rejoice: let her many isles be glad.

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

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and right are the base of his throne.

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

3 Fire goes before him, and blazes around his steps,

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

4 his lightnings illumine the world: the earth quakes at the sight.

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

5 Mountains melt like wax before the Lord of 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 heavens proclaim his justice, all nations behold his glory.

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

7 Shamed are all image-worshippers, who make a boast of their idols. All the gods bow before him.

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

8 Zion is glad at the tidings, the towns of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, Lord.

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

9 For you are most high over all the earth, greatly exalted above all gods.

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

10 The Lord loves those who hate evil, he guards the lives of the faithful: from the hand of the wicked he saves 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 Light arises for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.

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

12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous: give thanks to his holy name.

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