Psalms 48

1 A Psalm of praise for the sons of Core on the second [day] of the week. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.

A song. A psalm of the Korahites. Great is the Lord and worthy all praise in the city of our God. His holy mountain,

2 The city of the great King is well planted [on] the mountains of Sion, with the joy of the whole earth, [on] the sides of the north.

that rises so fair, is the joy of all the world. Like the mount of the gods is Mount Zion, the city of the great king.

3 God is known in her palaces, when he undertakes to help her.

Once God made himself known as the defence of her palaces.

4 For, behold the kings of the earth were assembled, they came together.

For see! A concert of kings passed over the frontier together.

5 They saw, and so they wondered: they were troubled, they were moved.

But one glance, and they were astounded; they hastened away in dismay.

6 Trembling took hold on them: there were the pangs as of a woman in travail.

Trembling took hold of them there, like the pains of a woman in labour.

7 You will break the ships of Tharsis with a vehement wind.

They were shattered, as east wind shatters the giant ships in pieces.

8 As we have heard, so have we also seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: God has founded it for ever. (Pause)

What we heard, we now have seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, the city of our God. God will uphold her forever. (Selah)

9 We have thought of your mercy, O God, in the midst of your people.

We think, O God, of your love, in the midst of your temple.

10 According to your name, O God, so is also your praise to the ends of the earth: your right hand is full of righteousness.

Your fame, O God, like your name, shall extend to the ends of the earth. Victory fills your hand.

11 Let mount Sion rejoice, let the daughters of Judaea exult, because of your judgments, O Lord.

Let mount Zion be glad; let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments.

12 Go round about Sion, and encompass her: tell you her towers.

Walk about Zion, go round her; count her towers.

13 Mark you well her strength, and observe her palaces; that you may tell the next generation.

Set your mind on her ramparts, consider her palaces; that you tell to the next generation

14 For this is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide for evermore.

That such is God, our God he it is who shall guide us for ever and ever.