Psalms 97

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

Yahweh reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad.

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

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

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

Fire goes before him and consumes his adversaries on every side.

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

His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains became like wax at the coming of the Lord, at the coming of the Lord of all the earth.

The mountains melt like wax before Yahweh, the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heavens gave out the news of his righteousness, and all the people saw his glory.

The skies declare his justice, and all the nations see his glory.

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

All those who worship carved figures will be shamed, those who boast in worthless idols— bow down to him, all you gods!

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 towns of Judah rejoiced because of your righteous decrees, Yahweh.

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

For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far 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 Yahweh, hate evil! He protects the lives of his saints, and he takes them out of the hand of the wicked.

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

Light is sown for the righteous and gladness for those with honest hearts.

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

Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous; and give thanks when you remember his holiness.