[1] On the holy hills stands the city [of Jerusalem and the temple] God founded. [2] The Lord loves the gates of Zion [through which the crowds of pilgrims enter from all nations] more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Israel). [3] Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah [pause, and calmly realize what that means]! [4] I will make mention of Rahab [the poetic name for Egypt] and Babylon as among those who know [the city of God]-behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia (Cush)-[saying], This man was born there. [5] Yes, of Zion it shall be said, This man and that man were born in her, for the Most High Himself will establish her. [6] The Lord shall count, when He registers the peoples, that this man was born there. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! [7] The singers as well as the players on instruments shall say, All my springs (my sources of life and joy) are in you [city of our God].
