Psalms
Chapter 97
This psalm celebrates God as king over the whole earth. It pictures him coming with clouds, fire, and lightning, so that mountains melt and the earth shakes. People who trust in idols are put to shame, while Zion and the towns of Judah are glad. It closes by calling those who love God to hate evil and to be glad in him.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
1The LORD is king. Let the earth be glad. Let even the far-off lands across the sea be happy.
"Isles" in the King James Version means the coastlands and islands far away across the sea, not just small islands.
2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
2Thick clouds and darkness are all around him. His throne is built on doing right and judging fairly.
3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
3Fire goes ahead of him. It burns up his enemies on every side.
4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
4His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees it and shakes.
5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
5The mountains melt like wax when the LORD comes near, when the Lord of all the earth comes near.
6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
6The skies announce that he does what is right. All the peoples see how great he is.
7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
7Everyone who serves carved statues is put to shame, and so are those who brag about their idols. All you gods, bow down to him!
"Confounded" here does not mean confused. It means put to shame.
8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
8Zion heard it and was glad. The towns of Judah were full of joy because of your judgments, LORD.
"The daughters of Judah" is an old way of saying the towns and villages of Judah, along with the people in them.
9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
9For you, LORD, are far above all the earth. You are lifted much higher than all gods.
10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
10You who love the LORD, hate evil. He guards the lives of those who belong to him. He rescues them from the grip of wicked people.
11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
11Light is planted like seed for those who do right, and joy for those whose hearts are honest.
12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
12Be glad in the LORD, you who do right. Give thanks when you remember that he is holy.
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