Psalms 46:1--48:14

Psalm 46

For the music director; by the Korahites; according to the alamoth style; a song.

46:1 God is our strong refuge;

he is truly our helper in times of trouble.

46:2 For this reason we do not fear when the earth shakes,

and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,

46:3 when its waves crash and foam,

and the mountains shake before the surging sea. (Selah)

46:4 The river’s channels bring joy to the city of God,

the special, holy dwelling place of the sovereign One.

46:5 God lives within it, it cannot be moved.

God rescues it at the break of dawn.

46:6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms are overthrown.

God gives a shout, the earth dissolves.

46:7 The Lord who commands armies is on our side!

The God of Jacob is our protector! (Selah)

46:8 Come! Witness the exploits of the Lord,

who brings devastation to the earth!

46:9 He brings an end to wars throughout the earth;

he shatters the bow and breaks the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

46:10 He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God!

I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!”

46:11 The Lord who commands armies is on our side!

The God of Jacob is our protector! (Selah)

Psalm 47

For the music director; by the Korahites; a psalm.

47:1 All you nations, clap your hands!

Shout out to God in celebration!

47:2 For the sovereign Lord is awe-inspiring;

he is the great king who rules the whole earth!

47:3 He subdued nations beneath us

and countries under our feet.

47:4 He picked out for us a special land

to be a source of pride for Jacob, whom he loves. (Selah)

47:5 God has ascended his throne amid loud shouts;

the Lord has ascended his throne amid the blaring of ram’s horns.

47:6 Sing to God! Sing!

Sing to our king! Sing!

47:7 For God is king of the whole earth!

Sing a well-written song!

47:8 God reigns over the nations!

God sits on his holy throne!

47:9 The nobles of the nations assemble,

along with the people of the God of Abraham,

for God has authority over the rulers of the earth.

He is highly exalted!

Psalm 48

A song, a psalm by the Korahites.

48:1 The Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise

in the city of our God, his holy hill.

48:2 It 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.

48:3 God is in its fortresses;

he reveals himself as its defender.

48:4 For look, the kings assemble;

they advance together.

48:5 As soon as they see, they are shocked;

they are terrified, they quickly retreat.

48:6 Look at them shake uncontrollably,

like a woman writhing in childbirth.

48:7 With an east wind

you shatter the large ships.

48:8 We 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)

48:9 We reflect on your loyal love, O God,

within your temple.

48:10 The praise you receive as far away as the ends of the earth

is worthy of your reputation, O God.

You execute justice!

48:11 Mount Zion rejoices;

the towns of Judah are happy,

because of your acts of judgment.

48:12 Walk around Zion! Encircle it!

Count its towers!

48:13 Consider its defenses!

Walk through its fortresses,

so you can tell the next generation about it!

48:14 For God, our God, is our defender forever!

He guides us!