[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.
