97 Yahweh reigns.

Let the earth be glad.

Let the many islands be happy.

2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him.

Doing what’s right and being fair are the foundation of his throne.

3 Fire goes ahead of him,

and burns up his enemies from all around.

4 His lightning lights up the world.

The earth sees it and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax when Yahweh comes—

the master of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare that he does what is right,

and all the nations can see his splendour.

7 All those who worship carved figures will be shamed—

≈ those who boast about worthless idols.

Bow down to him, all you ‘gods’.

8 Tsiyon (Zion) heard and was glad,

≈ and Yehudah’s (Judah’s) towns celebrated

because your decrees are fair and right, Yahweh.

9 For you, Yahweh, are the most powerful in all the earth.

≈ You are far greater than any other ‘gods’.

10 All you who love Yahweh, hate evil.

He protects the lives of his faithful ones—

he rescues them from the schemes of wicked people.

11 Light comes for godly people

≈ and gladness for those with honest hearts.

12 Be glad in Yahweh, you godly people

and thank him for his sinless purity.