Psalms 97

1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad [thereof].

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!]

2 Clouds and darkness [are] round about him: righteousness and judgment [are] the habitation of his throne.

There are very dark clouds around him [to hide him]; he rules [MTY] righteously/justly and fairly.

3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.

He [sends] fire in front of him, and he completely burns all his enemies in that fire.

4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.

All around the world he causes lightning to flash; [people on] the earth see it, and it causes them to [be afraid and] tremble.

5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

The mountains/hills melt like wax in front of Yahweh, the one who is the Lord, [who rules] over all the earth.

6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

The [angels in] [MTY] heaven proclaim that he acts righteously, and all the people-groups see his glory.

7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.

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.

8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.

[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].

9 For thou, LORD, [art] high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

Yahweh is the supreme [king] over all the earth; he has very great power, and all the [other] gods have no power at all.

10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

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].

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

His light shines on righteous [people]; he causes those who are righteous to rejoice.

12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

You righteous [people], rejoice about what Yahweh [has done], and thank him, our holy God!