God has defeated the kings who were attacking Jerusalem, the Holy City. This victory prefigures another when in the end, the humble will be liberated.
1* 2God is now famous in Judah,
in Israel his name is great.
3Salem is indeed his tent;
he has made Zion his dwelling place.
4There he broke the flashing arrow,
the shield and sword, the spear and bow.
5You are glorious and majestic,
enthroned on everlasting mountains.
6The stouthearted lie despoiled,
sleeping their last sleep,
not one able to lift a hand.
7At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
both rider and horse lay stunned.
8But you – how terrible you are!
Who can oppose the fury of your onslaught?
9You thundered judgment from the heavens;
while the earth trembled and lay still,
10as you, O God, arose to judge,
to save all the humble of the earth.
11Pagan nations will bring you praise,
their survivors will celebrate your name.
12Make vows to the Lord, your God,
and fulfill them; let the peoples
bring offerings to the Fearsome One,
13who breaks the spirit of rulers,
and is formidable to the kings of the earth.
