New Living Translation

Psalms • Chapter 48

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