Psalms 97

1 The Lord is King, let the earth have joy; let all the sea-lands be glad.

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 Dark clouds are round him; his kingdom is based on righteousness and right judging.

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

3 Fire goes before him, burning up all those who are against him round about.

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

4 His bright flames give light to the world; the earth saw it with fear.

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

5 The mountains became like wax at the coming of the Lord, at the coming of the Lord of 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 heavens gave out the news of his righteousness, and all the people saw his glory.

The heavens announced his justice, and all peoples saw his glory.

7 Shamed be all those who give worship to images, and take pride in false gods; give him worship, all you gods.

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 Zion gave ear and was glad; and the daughters of Judah were full of joy, because of your decisions, O Lord.

Zion heard, and was glad. And the daughters of Judah exulted because of your judgments, O Lord.

9 For you, Lord, are most high over the earth; you are lifted up over all other gods.

For you are the Most High Lord over all the earth. You are greatly exalted above all gods.

10 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.

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 Light is shining on the lovers of righteousness, and for the upright in heart there is joy.

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

12 Be glad in the Lord, you upright men; praising the memory of his holy name.

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