Psalm 48

A song, a psalm by the Korahites.

1The Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise

in the city of our God, his holy hill.

2It is lofty and pleasing to look at,

a source of joy to the whole earth.

Mount Zion resembles the peaks of Zaphon;

it is the city of the great king.

3God is in its fortresses;

he reveals himself as its defender.

4For look, the kings assemble;

they advance together.

5As soon as they see, they are shocked;

they are terrified, they quickly retreat.

6Look at them shake uncontrollably,

like a woman writhing in childbirth.

7With an east wind

you shatter the large ships.

8We heard about God’s mighty deeds, now we have seen them,

in the city of the Lord, the invincible Warrior,

in the city of our God.

God makes it permanently secure. (Selah)

9We reflect on your loyal love, O God,

within your temple.

10The praise you receive as far away as the ends of the earth

is worthy of your reputation, O God.

You execute justice!

11Mount Zion rejoices;

the towns of Judah are happy,

because of your acts of judgment.

12Walk around Zion! Encircle it!

Count its towers!

13Consider its defenses!

Walk through its fortresses,

so you can tell the next generation about it!

14For God, our God, is our defender forever!

He guides us!