Tobit's Song of Praise

1Then Tobit prayed:

“Praise the eternal God,

praise the one who rules.

2He punishes us; then he shows us mercy.

He sends us down to the world of the dead,

then he brings us up from the grave.

No one can escape his power.

3“People of Israel, give thanks among the nations,

where he sent you into exile;

413.4: Is 63.16; Jer 3.4; Wis 14.3; Sir 23.1, 4; Mt 6.9even there he showed his great power.

Let all who live hear your praise.

The Lord is our God and father for ever.

5“Though he punished you for your wickedness,

he will be merciful and bring you home

from among the nations where he scattered you.

6“Turn to him with all your heart and soul,

live in loyal obedience to him.

Then he will turn to you to help you

and will no longer hide himself.

Remember what God has done for you,

and give thanks with all your heart.

Praise the righteous Lord;

honour the eternal King.

“Although I live in exile in a foreign land,

I will give thanks to the Lord

and will speak of his great strength to a nation of sinners.

‘Turn away from your sins, and do what pleases God!

Perhaps he will be gracious

and show you his mercy.’

7“I praise my God and rejoice in his greatness;

my whole being honours the King of Heaven.

8“Let everyone tell of his greatness

and sing his praises in Jerusalem.

913.9–18: Is 60.1–22; Rev 21.9—22.5“Jerusalem, holy city of our God,

he will punish you for the sins of your people,

but he will be merciful to all who do right.

10So give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Praise the eternal King.13.10 Some manuscripts do not have verses 6b–10a Although I live… Praise the eternal King.

Your Temple will be rebuilt,

and your people will be happy again.

“May the Lord make all your exiles glad,

may he take care of your suffering people

for as long as time shall last.

11“Jerusalem, your light will shine brightly for all the world,

and from far away many nations will come to you.

Their people will come to honour the Lord your God,

they will bring gifts for the King of Heaven.

In your streets many generations will sing joyful praise,

your name will endure for ever as God's chosen city.

12A curse will be on all who make threats against you,

on all who destroy you and tear down your walls,

on all who demolish your towers and burn your homes.

But all who honour you will be blessed for ever.

13“Rejoice, Jerusalem, because of your righteous people;

they will be gathered together from exile

to praise the Lord of the ages.

14“Happy are all who love you

and are pleased to see you prosper.

Those who mourn over your suffering now

will one day be happy;

your happiness will bring them joy for ever.

15“I praise the Lord, the great King;

16Jerusalem will be rebuilt

and will be his home for ever.

“Jerusalem, how happy I will be

when my descendants can see your splendour

and give thanks to the King of Heaven.

“Your gates will be built with sapphires and emeralds,

and all your walls with precious stones.

Your towers will be made of gold,

and their fortifications of pure gold.

17Your streets will be paved with rubies and precious jewels.

18Joyful songs will ring out from your gates,

and from all your houses people will shout,

‘Praise the Lord! Praise the God of Israel!’

“Jerusalem, God will bless your people,

and they will praise his holy name for ever.”

With these words Tobit ended his song of praise.