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Psalms

A collection of songs and prayers expressing a wide range of emotions and thoughts on faith.

Chapter 48

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1 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

*God is great and deserves lots of praise in the special city where he lives, on a holy mountain.

2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

*Mount Zion, a lovely place, brings happiness to all Earth, is located in the north's side and is the city of a mighty King.

3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

*God is recognized in her grand buildings as a safe place.

4 For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

*Behold, the kings came together, they went past all at once.

5 They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.

*They saw it and were amazed. They were worried and quickly left.

6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

*Fear and pain gripped them strongly, like the pain of a woman giving birth.

7 Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

*You shatter the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.

*Just like we heard, we have also witnessed this in the city of God's powerful army - the place where He resides. There, God will make it last forever. Pause and reflect.

9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

*We remember your kindness, God, while in your special place.

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

*As your name says, God, your praise goes everywhere: your right hand shows you are fair and just.

11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

*Rejoice, Mount Zion! Daughters of Judah, be happy! This is because of God's fair decisions.

12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

*Walk around Zion and look at its towers; describe them.

13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.

*Observe her defenses carefully, look at her grand buildings; so you can pass this information on to future generations.

14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

*This God is always with us forever; He'll guide us until we pass away.

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* work in progress, there will be mistakes