2-4. God, treat us kindly. You’re our only hope.First thing in the morning, be there for us!When things go bad, help us out!You spoke in thunder and everyone ran.You showed up and nations scattered.Your people, for a change, got in on the loot,picking the field clean of the enemy spoils.
20-22. Just take a look at Zion, will you?Centering our worship in festival feasts!Feast your eyes on Jerusalem,a quiet and permanent place to live.No more pulling up stakes and moving on,no more patched-together lean-tos.Instead, God! God majestic, God himself the placein a country of broad rivers and streams,But rivers blocked to invading ships,off-limits to predatory pirates.For God makes all the decisions here. God is our king.God runs this place and he’ll keep us safe.
23. Ha! Your sails are in shreds,your mast wobbling,your hold leaking.The plunder is free for the taking, free for all—for weak and strong, insiders and outsiders.
24. No one in Zion will say, “I’m sick.”Best of all, they’ll all live guilt-free.