Psalm 97 Contemporary English Version

The Lord Brings Justice

¹The Lord is King!
Tell the earth to celebrate
    and all islands to shout.
²Dark clouds surround him,
and his throne is supported
    by justice and fairness.
³Fire leaps from his throne,
    destroying his enemies,
⁴and his lightning is so bright
that the earth sees it
    and trembles.
⁵Mountains melt away like wax
in the presence of the Lord
    of all the earth.

⁶The heavens announce,
“The Lord brings justice!”
    Everyone sees God's glory.
⁷Those who brag about
the useless idols they worship
    are terribly ashamed,
and all the false gods
    bow down to the Lord.

⁸When the people of Zion
    and of the towns of Judah
hear that God brings justice,
    they will celebrate.
⁹The Lord rules the whole earth,
and he is more glorious
    than all the false gods.

¹⁰Love the Lord
    and hate evil!
God protects his loyal people
and rescues them
    from violence.
¹¹If you obey and do right,
a light will show you the way
    and fill you with happiness.
¹²You are the Lord's people!
So celebrate and praise
    the only God.