Chapter 26
1 In that day , this song will be sung in the land of Judah : " We have a strong city . God appoints salvation for walls and bulwarks .
2 Open the gates , that the righteous nation may enter: the one which keeps faith.
3 You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace , because he trusts in you .
4 Trust in the LORD forever ; for in the LORD , the LORD , is an everlasting Rock .
5 For he has brought down those who dwell on high , the lofty city . He lays it low . He lays it low even to the ground . He brings it even to the dust .
6 The foot shall tread it down , even the feet of the poor and the steps of the needy ."
7 The way of the just is uprightness . You who are upright make the path of the righteous level .
8 Yes, in the way of your judgements, LORD , we have waited for you . Your name and your renown are the desire of our soul .
9 With my soul I have desired you in the night . Yes , with my spirit within me I will seek you earnestly ; for when your judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness .
10 Let favour be shown to the wicked , yet he will not learn righteousness . In the land of uprightness he will deal wrongfully, and will not see the LORD ’s majesty .
11 LORD , your hand is lifted up , yet they don’t see ; but they will see your zeal for the people and be disappointed. Yes , fire will consume your adversaries .
12 LORD , you will ordain peace for us , for you have also done all our work for us .
13 LORD our God , other lords besides you have had dominion over us , but we will only acknowledge your name .
14 The dead shall not live . The departed spirits shall not rise . Therefore you have visited and destroyed them , and caused all memory of them to perish.
15 You have increased the nation , O LORD . You have increased the nation ! You are glorified ! You have enlarged all the borders of the land.
16 LORD , in trouble they have visited you . They poured out a prayer when your chastening was on them .
17 Just as a woman with child , who draws near the time of her delivery , is in pain and cries out in her pangs , so we have been before you , LORD .
18 We have been with child . We have been in pain . We gave birth , it seems, only to wind . We have not worked any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen .
19 Your dead shall live . Their dead bodies shall arise . Awake and sing , you who dwell in the dust ; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth will cast out the departed spirits .
20 Come , my people , enter into your rooms , and shut your doors behind you . Hide yourself for a little moment , until the indignation is past .
21 For , behold , the LORD comes out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity . The earth also will disclose her blood , and will no longer cover her slain .