A song of victory

1The time is coming

when the people of Judah

will sing this song:

“Our city26.1 city: Probably Jerusalem. is protected.

The LORD is our fortress,

and he gives us victory.

2Open the city gates

for a law-abiding nation

that is faithful to God.

3The LORD gives perfect peace

to those whose faith is firm.

4So always trust the LORD

because he is for ever

our mighty rock.26.4 mighty rock: See the note at 17.10.

5God has put down our enemies

in their mountain city26.5 our enemies…city: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

and rubbed it in the dust.

6Now the poor and abused

trample all over that city.”

The LORD can be trusted

7Our LORD, you always do right,

and you make the path smooth

for those who obey you.

8You are the one we trust

to bring about justice;

above all else we want

your name to be honoured.

9Throughout the night,

my heart searches for you,

because your decisions

show everyone on this earth

how to live right.

10Even when the wicked

are treated with mercy

in this land of justice,

they do wrong and are blind

to your glory, our LORD.

11Your hand is raised and ready26.11: He 10.27.

to punish them,

but they don't see it.

Put them to shame!

Show how much you care for us

and throw them into the fire

intended for your enemies.

12You will give us peace, LORD,

because everything we have done

was by your power.

13Others have ruled over us

besides you, our LORD God,

but we obey only you.

14Those enemies are now dead

and can never live again.

You have punished them—

they are destroyed,

completely forgotten.

15Our nation has grown

because of you, our LORD.

We have more land than before,

and you are honoured.

The LORD gives life to the dead

16When you punished our people,

they turned and prayed

to you, our LORD.26.16 Lord: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 16.

17Because of what you did to us,

we suffered like a woman

about to give birth.

18But instead of having a child,

our terrible pain

produced only wind.

We have won no victories,

and we have no descendants

to take over the earth.

19Your people will rise to life!

Tell them to leave their graves

and celebrate with shouts.

You refresh the earth

like morning dew;

you give life to the dead.

20Go inside and lock the doors,

my people.

Hide there for a little while,

until the LORD

is no longer angry.

The earth and the sea will be punished

21The LORD will come out

to punish everyone on earth

for their sins.

And when he does,

those who did violent crimes

will be known and punished.