I rejoice in your instructions, like one who finds much plunder.

A song of ascents, by Solomon. If the Lord does not build a house, then those who build it work in vain. If the Lord does not guard a city, then the watchman stands guard in vain.

I will be happy and rejoice in you! I will sing praises to you, O sovereign One!

Your loyal followers trust in you, for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help.

For the king trusts in the Lord, and because of the sovereign Lord’s faithfulness he is not upended.

To you they cried out, and they were saved; in you they trusted and they were not disappointed.

Who is this majestic king? The Lord who is strong and mighty! The Lord who is mighty in battle!

Protect me and deliver me! Please do not let me be humiliated, for I have taken shelter in you!

Taste and see that the Lord is good! How blessed is the one who takes shelter in him!

Pray to me when you are in trouble! I will deliver you, and you will honor me!”

Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape! In your anger bring down the nations, O God!

He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. Let us rejoice in him there!

so that your feet may stomp in their blood, and your dogs may eat their portion of the enemies’ corpses.”

Acknowledge God’s power, his sovereignty over Israel, and the power he reveals in the skies!

He broke open rocks in the wilderness, and gave them enough water to fill the depths of the sea.

They neither know nor understand. They stumble around in the dark, while all the foundations of the earth crumble.

May the splendor of the Lord endure! May the Lord find pleasure in the living things he has made!

He would pour contempt upon princes, and he made them wander in a wasteland with no road.

Praise the Lord! How blessed is the one who obeys the Lord, who takes great delight in keeping his commands.

They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me. Indeed, in the name of the Lord I pushed them away.