Psalms 97

1 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!]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The heavens proclaim his goodness; everyone sees his glory.

7 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.

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

8 [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].

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

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

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

10 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].

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

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

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

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