[48:1] The Lord is great and is to be highly praised in the city of our God, on his sacred hill.
[48:2] Zion, the mountain of God, is high and beautiful; the city of the great king brings joy to all the world.
[48:3] God has shown that there is safety with him inside the fortresses of the city.
[48:4] The kings gathered together and came to attack Mount Zion.
[48:5] But when they saw it, they were amazed; they were afraid and ran away.
[48:6] There they were seized with fear and anguish, like a woman about to bear a child,
[48:7] like ships tossing in a furious storm.
[48:8] We have heard what God has done, and now we have seen it in the city of our God, the Lord Almighty; he will keep the city safe forever.
[48:9] Inside your Temple, O God, we think of your constant love.
[48:10] You are praised by people everywhere, and your fame extends over all the earth. You rule with justice;
[48:11] let the people of Zion be glad! You give right judgments; let there be joy in the cities of Judah!
[48:12] People of God, walk around Zion and count the towers;
[48:13] take notice of the walls and examine the fortresses, so that you may tell the next generation:
[48:14] “This God is our God forever and ever; he will lead us for all time to come.”