1The LORD rules as king. Let the earth rejoice. Let all the islands be joyful.

2Clouds and darkness surround him. Righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.

3Fire spreads ahead of him. It burns his enemies who surround him.

4His flashes of lightning light up the world. The earth sees them and trembles.

5The mountains melt like wax in the presence of the LORD, in the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6The heavens tell about his righteousness, and all the people of the world see his glory.

7Everyone who worships idols and brags about false gods will be put to shame. All the gods will bow to him.

8Zion hears about this and rejoices. The people of Judah are delighted with your judgments, O LORD.

9You, O LORD, the Most High, are above the whole earth. You are highest. You are above all the gods.

10Let those who love the LORD hate evil. The one who guards the lives of his godly ones will rescue them from the power of wicked people.

11Light dawns for righteous people and joy for those whose motives are decent.

12Find joy in the LORD, you righteous people. Give thanks to him as you remember how holy he is.