Psalms 97

1 Yahweh reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!

The Lord reigns! Let the earth be glad, and distant lands be full of joy!

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

He is surrounded by clouds and thick darkness; his throne is founded on justice and right.

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

Flames proceed him, burning up his enemies on every side.

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

His flashes of lightning light up the world; the earth watches and trembles.

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

The mountains melt like wax in the presence of the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.

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

The heavens proclaim his goodness; everyone sees his glory.

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

All those who worship idols are humiliated, those who are proud of their idols—for all “gods” bow down before him.

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

Jerusalem hears this and celebrates; all the towns of Judah are happy because of your judgments, Lord.

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

For you, Lord, are the highest of all, ruling over the whole earth; your position is far above any other god.

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

You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of those who are faithful to him, and saves them from the power of wicked people.

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

Light shines on those who do good, giving joy to those who live right.

12 Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name.

Be happy in the Lord, you who do right, and thank him for his holy nature!