1 The time is comingwhen the people of Judahwill sing this song:“Our city is protected.The Lord is our fortress,and he gives us victory.
2 Open the city gatesfor a law-abiding nationthat is faithful to God.
3 The Lord gives perfect peaceto those whose faith is firm.
4 So always trust the Lordbecause he is for everour mighty rock.
5 God has put down our enemiesin their mountain cityand rubbed it in the dust.
6 Now the poor and abusedtrample all over that city.”
7 Our Lord, you always do right,and you make the path smoothfor those who obey you.
8 You are the one we trustto bring about justice;above all else we wantyour name to be honoured.
9 Throughout the night,my heart searches for you,because your decisionsshow everyone on this earthhow to live right.
10 Even when the wickedare treated with mercyin this land of justice,they do wrong and are blindto your glory, our Lord.
11 Your hand is raised and readyto punish them,but they don't see it.Put them to shame!Show how much you care for usand throw them into the fireintended for your enemies.
12 You will give us peace, Lord,because everything we have donewas by your power.
13 Others have ruled over usbesides you, our Lord God,but we obey only you.
14 Those enemies are now deadand can never live again.You have punished them—they are destroyed,completely forgotten.
15 Our nation has grownbecause of you, our Lord.We have more land than before,and you are honoured.
16 When you punished our people,they turned and prayedto you, our Lord.
17 Because of what you did to us,we suffered like a womanabout to give birth.
18 But instead of having a child,our terrible painproduced only wind.We have won no victories,and we have no descendantsto take over the earth.
19 Your people will rise to life!Tell them to leave their gravesand celebrate with shouts.You refresh the earthlike morning dew;you give life to the dead.
20 Go inside and lock the doors,my people.Hide there for a little while,until the Lordis no longer angry.