1 I said:I will praise the eternal God,who rules forever.
2 God punishes and shows mercy;he can send people downto the world of the dead,or rescue themfrom great destruction.No one can escape his power.
3 People of Israel,God scattered youamong the nations,so tell them about him.
4 He has shown you his greatness.And while everyone listens,you should praise him,because he will forever beour Lord and God and Father.
5 He will punish you if you sin,but then he will have mercyand gather you from the nationswhere you are scattered.
6 If you turn to Godwith all your heartand are faithful to him,he will turn to you once again;no longer will he refuseto help you.Shout praises to him,because he has been so kindand faithful to you,and he will rule as king forever!I must live far from my country,but I will still praise Godand tell this nation of sinnershow great and powerful he is.I will say, “Turn from your sins,and obey God.Who knows?Maybe God will be kindand have mercy on you.”
7 I will praise my God,the King of Heaven,and celebrate his greatness.
8 Praise him, people of Jerusalem.
9 God will punish your holy citybecause you have sinned,but if you obey him,he will again be kind to you.
10 The Lord is good, so praise himand honor his kingdom;then he will again allow youto set up his sacred tentand celebrate there.He will cheer up your exilesand always show his loveto those who are suffering.
11 Jerusalem, you will give lightto the whole world,and people will come to youfrom faraway nations,bringing gifts for your holy God,the King of Heaven.One generation after anotherwill celebrate in you,the city God has chosen.
12 God will put a curseon those who insult you,and on those who capture youand tear down your walls,destroy your towers,and burn your homes.But he will bless anyonewho shows respect for you.
13 Celebrate, because the Lordwill gather together thosewho are faithful to him,and he will bless themfor all time.
14 He will bless thosewho love you, Jerusalem—those who are happywhen you have peace,and who are sadwhen you have trouble.They will celebrate with youand see your joy forever.
15 I praise the Lord,the Great King,
16 because, Jerusalem,you will be rebuilt,and you will be his homefor all time.I will be gladif one of my descendantscan see your gloryand praise the King of Heaven.Your gates will be madeof sapphires and emeralds,and your walls will be coveredwith other jewels.Your towers will be of goldall the way to the top.The streets within youwill be paved with rubiesand jewels from Ophir.