International Standard Version

Psalm 48

1 Great is the LORD! For he is to be praised greatly, even in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

2 Beautifully situated, the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion towards the north, ^b the city of the great King.

3 Within her citadels God is known as a place of refuge.

4 Behold, when the kings assembled together, when they traveled together,

5 they looked and were awestruck; they became afraid and ran away.

6 Trembling seized them there, pains like those of a woman in labor,

7 as when an east wind destroyed the ships of Tarshish.

8 Just as we have heard, so have we seen; in the city of the LORD of the heavenly armies— even in the city of our God— God will establish her forever. Interlude

9 God, we have meditated on your gracious love in the midst of your Temple.

10 God, according to your name, so is your praise to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11 Mount Zion will be glad; the towns ^c of Judah will rejoice because of your judgments.

12 March around Zion; encircle her; count her towers.

13 Take note of her ramparts; investigate her citadels; that you may speak about them to the next generation.

14 For this God is our God forever and ever. He will guide us until death.