Psalms 48

1 A Song; a Psalm of the sons of Korah. Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, in his holy mountain.

For the music director. A psalm of the sons of Korah. The Lord is supreme! He deserves praise in the city of our God on his holy mountain.

2 Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, The city of the great King.

Mount Zion is high and beautiful, bringing happiness to all the earth; on the northern side is the city of the great King.

3 God hath made himself known in her palaces for a refuge.

God himself is in the city's fortresses; he is recognized as its defender.

4 For, lo, the kings assembled themselves, They passed by together.

Look at what happened when foreign kings joined forces and came to attack the city.

5 They saw it, then were they amazed; They were dismayed, they hasted away.

As soon as they saw it they were astonished and ran away terrified.

6 Trembling took hold of them there, Pain, as of a woman in travail.

They shook all over, and were in agonizing pain like a woman giving birth,

7 With the east wind Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish.

just as the strong east wind wrecks the ships from Tarshish.

8 As we have heard, so have we seen In the city of Jehovah of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. (Selah)

Just as we had heard, but now we have seen the city of the Lord Almighty. This is the city of our God; he makes it secure forever. (Selah)

9 We have thought on thy lovingkindness, O God, In the midst of thy temple.

God, we recall your trustworthy love as we worship in the Temple.

10 As is thy name, O God, So is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness.

As is fitting for your reputation, God, praises to you stretch all around the world. What you do is always right!

11 Let mount Zion be glad, Let the daughters of Judah rejoice, Because of thy judgments.

Let the people of Mount Zion be glad; let the people of Judah celebrate because your judgments are always fair!

12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her; Number the towers thereof;

Go and take a look at Zion. Count the towers as you walk around.

13 Mark ye well her bulwarks; Consider her palaces: That ye may tell it to the generation following.

Inspect the fortifications. Examine the citadels, so you can describe everything to the next generation, telling them:

14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide [even] unto death.

“This is who our God is. He is our God forever and ever. He himself will lead us until the very end.”