[1] How great is the Lord, how deserving of praise, in the city of our God, which sits on his holy mountain!
[2] It is high and magnificent; the whole earth rejoices to see it! Mount Zion, the holy mountain, is the city of the great King!
[3] God himself is in Jerusalem’s towers, revealing himself as its defender.
[4] The kings of the earth joined forces and advanced against the city.
[5] But when they saw it, they were stunned; they were terrified and ran away.
[6] They were gripped with terror and writhed in pain like a woman in labor.
[7] You destroyed them like the mighty ships of Tarshish shattered by a powerful east wind.
[8] We had heard of the city’s glory, but now we have seen it ourselves— the city of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever. Interlude
[9] O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple.
[10] As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory.
[11] Let the people on Mount Zion rejoice. Let all the towns of Judah be glad because of your justice.
[12] Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers.
[13] Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations.
[14] For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.