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."