When I draw nigh to extol Thee amidst a poor and needy people, strengthen Thou my remnant scattered in all regions. With this my Song of Ascents I cry to Thee, O King: I rejoiced when they said unto me: ‘Let us go unto the house of the Lord.’
For my perversity I have been given twofold punishment; announce Thou consolations to the barefoot people.[[80]] The people, whose feet Thou makest strong, shall proclaim Thy greatness;—our feet are standing within thy gates, O Jerusalem!
Establish Thou the pillars of Thy desolate temple; the measurements thereof make wondrous fair, and wide, and long. This miracle shall strike with confusion him who destroyed the desirable things thereof: Jerusalem that was built as a city that is compact together.
The righteous song regard with favor; may it be Thy will to gladden with the redeemer’s coming them that trust in Thee. Thy banished children shall go up to erect Ariel, whither the tribes went up, even the tribes of the Lord, as a testimony unto Israel.
Destroy them that strive with me, and increase their tribulations; enslave the tyrant;—for there were set thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
Bring good tidings to them that sanctify Thee and sing Thy words—they that are led by a fiery wall near Thee; I shall rejoice near Thy shield, and hear Thy pleasing words: ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may they prosper that love thee.’
O city of the Lord, rejoice, and increase thy lays; burst forth with song, exult, make thy melodies great; I shall fill thy utterances with joy and exultation; peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
They that wait for Thy utterance shall lift up their voice together; they that sanctify Thy unity shall sing new melodies; they that are satisfied with bliss from Thee shall proclaim peace; for my brethren and companions’ sakes I will now say: ‘Peace be within thee.’
Increase the glory of the stronghold in Thy border; mayest Thou hear from Thy habitation the praises which we utter; may the wisdom of Thy anointed be spoken in Thy temple: for the sake of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.